January 2022 Newsletter
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FSA Board Meeting 8th Dec 2021
The FSA Board met in December, things that you may want to note that were discussed; the Science Update 2021, Consumer insights 2021, the FSA Board supports action on CBD and the Advisory Committee for Social Science Update 2021, as well as updates from the Chairs of our SACs (Scientific Advisory Committees).
The revised version of the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils (CoPSAC) has been published here on gov.uk. This is guidance that sets out good practice for the operation of scientific advisory committees. Thank you to all of you who contributed comments and suggestions to the process of updating and improving the CoPSAC.
The FSA is recruiting for 18 new members to join our Scientific Advisory Committees with expertise in a wide range of areas. We need your help
recruiting, the job advert is live until 13th February 2022, please share widely with your networks!
The FSA is recruiting new members to join its independent Science Council. Science Council members supply high-level, expert strategic insight, challenge and advice to the FSA’s Chief Scientific Adviser, as well as the Board and FSA Executive, on the use of science to deliver FSA objectives. Their work contributes directly to ensuring the safety of food, benefitting UK consumers and the effective, evidence-based regulation of food. Apply now and share with your networks, this call closes on 30th January 2022.
Previous Meetings
October 2021
21st ACMSF Meeting
26th COT Meeting
November 2021
5th AERJEG Meeting
12th SAC Chairs Meeting
24th ACNFP Meeting
December 2021
1st AFFAJEG Meeting
2nd FCMJEG Meeting
7th COT Meeting
9th FSA Science Council 10th Open Meeting
13th Lay members meeting
FSA Publications
Recent Publications from across the FSA
Consumer Handwashing Research: Handwashing in a Pandemic
The Food Standards Agency with Ipsos Mori carried out research in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to monitor consumer hand hygiene behaviour during the pandemic.
What drives consumers to eat food after the use by date has expired?
The FSA's latest qualitative research on use by dates is now available online. It used an innovative smartphone app to conduct ethnographic research during a period with COVID restrictions.
The SETE working group of the COT and COC (Committee on the Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment) published its report that looks to supply pragmatic guidance that can be used by expert advisory committees for synthesis and integration of epidemiological and toxicological evidence.
Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Selected Ready-to-Eat Foods
The FSA have published a Fera-led research study on antimicrobial resistant genes in ready-to-eat foods. The microbiological risk assessment team are currently thinking about how to use what has been learned in this study and apply it to future research and surveillance.
Consultation on ‘may contain’
The FSA has launched a consultation to gather views from businesses and consumers on the use of precautionary allergen information and labels, often written as “may contain” on food packaging.
The 2020 annual report from the COT/COC/COM was published in December.
Food Sensitive Study Wave 1 Report
Survey findings exploring the impact of food hypersensitivity on quality of life.
Consumer poll in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to understand consumer behaviours and attitudes in relation to healthy and sustainable diets.
Food and You 2: Wales and Food and You 2: Northern Ireland
Country specific reports outlining key findings from waves 1-2 of Food and You 2.
Findings from various tracking surveys to understand consumer’s behaviours and attitudes about food insecurity, food availability, concern, and confidence in the food supply chain. This report pulls together the findings from these surveys, including recent data from our COVID-19 consumer tracker, and from our newly established ‘Consumer Insights tracking survey’ (established in November 2021) to provide the latest findings on these topics.
Prioritising Foodborne Disease with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
This study outlines the methodology and results of a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) used to rank thirteen foodborne pathogens in order of their detrimental effect on UK society.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)
Food and You 2: Wave 2: Secondary report focusing on FHRS questions asked in Wave 2.
Survey of consumer perceptions of alternative, or novel, sources of protein
Findings from a national representative online survey to understand consumer awareness and perceptions of alternative, or novel, sources of protein.
Dates for your diary
January 2022
26th ACSS Plenary Meeting
30th Science Council Recruitment Closes
February 2022
2nd ACNFP Meeting
8th COT Meeting
9th ACMSF Meeting
10th Extraordinary COT Meeting - EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Opinion
13th SAC Recruitment Closes
15th AFFAJEG Meeting
18th AEJEG Meeting
22nd FCMJEG Meeting
March 2022
9th FSA Board Meeting
11th Claims cut off for 21/22 Financial Year
29th COT Meeting
30th ACNFP Meeting
April 2022
5th FCMJEG Meeting
19th AFFAJEG Meeting
28th AEJEG Meeting
May 2022
10th COT Meeting
31st AFFAJEG Meeting
June 2022
7th FCMJEG Meeting
8th ACNFP Meeting
14th AEJEG Meeting
23rd Science Council Open Meeting
23rd ACMSF Meeting