Meat industry voices FSA bias concerns to PM
Leading meat trade organisations have written to the Prime Minister voicing their collective concerns around the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) bias against the meat sector, which they believe crosses the line of impartiality expected of the industry’s regulators.
The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), the British Poultry Council (BPC), the National Federation of Meat & Food Traders (NFMFT) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) have written to Theresa May in a joint letter following the FSA’s recent show of promotion on social media for reducing meat consumption.
In a statement the organisations said: “British meat producers are concerned that the Food Standards Agency is showing unwarranted bias against our sector that crosses the line of impartiality we expect of our regulators. The FSA’s recent show of promotion on social for reducing meat consumption is its latest foray into this political agenda outside of its remit.
“We need our regulator to be unbiased and firm in enforcing the law, to challenge us to improve and refine practices, and to help change laws that have become outdated or have been overtaken by science and technology. In these matters the FSA has our full and vocal support. However, we are worried that personal and political interests are threatening consistent regulatory efforts.
“It is for this reason we have collectively written to the Prime Minister, to help us restore the impartiality we feel has slipped.”
In response to the issue an FSA spokesperson said: “We reject any suggestion that the FSA is biased against the meat industry. The FSA works closely and productively with meat businesses every day across the country. We also regularly run national campaigns promoting safe ways to enjoy meat.
“The FSA’s sole remit is to put consumers first. Of course this means making sure everyone understands their responsibilities for food being safe and what it says it is. It also means we provide information and advice to consumers, not only in relation to food safety but other food-related issues. Our current strategic plan reinforces this commitment to help people make informed choices about what they eat. It also acknowledges the growing challenges around access to a healthy diet, now and in the future, which is in line with wider Government advice in this area.”
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