Foreword by the UK Agriculture and Health Ministers
Food safety is an issue which concerns every man, woman and child in this country. It is one of the Government's key priorities.
This White Paper sets out detailed proposals for a Food Standards Agency which will promote high standards throughout the food chain, from the point of production to the point of consumption. It will be a powerful new body, dealing with a complex area and a wide range of interest groups, from producers, manufacturers and retailers to scientific experts, public health professionals and most importantly, consumers. The Agency will not be tied to any vested interests. It will have clearly defined priorities. It will be free to publish any of the advice it provides to Government. If Ministers decide not to follow that advice they will have to explain their reasons to the public and to Parliament.
The Government's proposals are detailed and comprehensive, but they do not answer all the questions which this radical new approach to food safety raises. We look forward to hearing views from all the stakeholders and discussing the implications of what is proposed over the next few weeks. The responses we receive will influence the drafting of the Bill to establish the Agency, which will itself be the subject of a further consultation exercise during 1998.
These proposals are fundamental to every citizen in the country. We are determined that our commitment to public consultation will ensure we get it right.
| Jack Cunningham | | Frank Dobson |
| Donald Dewar | Ron Davies | Mo Mowlam |
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