Food Safety Regulations

Introduction

Whether we work in a food business or we are a consumer interested in food law, there are general requirements, which are listed on this page. This overview covers the main EC and UK legislation on food imports and exports, safety, traceability, labelling and product withdrawals and recalls. We have summarised the wording of the legislation referred to, so please use this as a general summary of food safety law, but don't regard it as legal advice. It is important to always check the exact wording of the legislation applicable to the circumstances you are dealing with.(Satin, 27)

The Food Safety Act 1990 (as amended) provides the framework for all food legislation in Great Britain - similar legislation applies in Northern Ireland. See the guidance for food businesses on the Food Safety Act 1990.

Discussion

The General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002 is EC legislation on general food safety. The General Food Regulations 2004 (as amended) provides for the enforcement of certain provisions of Regulation (EC) 178/2002 (including imposing penalties) and amends the Food Safety Act 1990 to bring it in line with Regulation (EC) 178/2002. Similar legislation applies in Northern Ireland.( Satin, 28)

Section 7: rendering food injurious to health by:

adding an article or substance to the food

using an article or substance as an ingredient in the preparation of the food

abstracting any constituent from the food

Subjecting the food to any process or treatment with the intention that it shall be sold for human consumption.

Section 14: selling to the purchaser's prejudice any food which is not of the nature or substance or quality demanded by the purchaser.Section 15: falsely describing or presenting food. Under section 20, if the commission of an offence is due to the act or default of another person, the other person is guilty of the offence. Under ...