Food Standards Agency - Recent news stories

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Agency publishes annual report for 2007/08

The Food Standards Agency?s annual report for 2007/08 has been published and laid before the Westminster Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly.

Attitude to health affects eating habits

The Agency has carried out qualitative research to find out more about how people?s eating habits are determined by their attitudes towards food and health, rather than by other demographic characteristics, such as age and gender.

New Director at Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland

Gerry McCurdy has been appointed Director at Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI), as successor to current Director Morris McAllister who is due to retire in September. Gerry presently holds the position of Deputy Director at FSANI.

FSA executive changes

Tim Smith, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, told the Agency?s Board meeting in Cardiff today about a number of changes in senior positions in the FSA.

Board recommends changes to MHS charges

At its meeting today, the FSA Board agreed to recommend a number of proposed changes to the current Meat Hygiene Service charging regime, which currently regulates the UK meat industry. The Board also reaffirmed its support for small rural abattoirs during the development of the new charging policy.

Marks & Spencer withdraws spread

Marks & Spencer has withdrawn some of its Reduced Fat Olive Spread (500g) because the product contains a milk ingredient that is not mentioned on the label, resulting in incorrect allergen information. This means the product is a possible health risk for milk allergic individuals.

Chinese rice products containing an unauthorised rice

The Agency has provided a list of Chinese rice products tested since 12 April and found to contain Bt63 rice. In April, the European Commission adopted an emergency measure requiring imports of specified products originating or consigned from China to be certified free of the unauthorised genetically modified organism (GMO) known as 'Bt63'.

Morrisons withdraws Bettabuy Beans and Sausages

Morrisons has withdrawn its own-brand Bettabuy Beans and Sausages (425g cans) product because it contains breadcrumbs, which contain wheat and gluten that are not mentioned in the ingredients list on the product label. This means this product is a possible health risk for individuals allergic or intolerant to wheat or intolerant to gluten.