Food Safety And Brexit: What Lessons Are Being Learned?

By Maxwell J. Heston, analyst, GIC Group/GFSF

Earlier this year, the U.K. voted to leave the EU. Ensuing events of the Brexit vote have been characterized by frustration and uncertainty in the near and far future as the U.K. will now go at it on their own after 43 years in the EU. This represents a distinct turning point in European history and the implications on the U.K. are expected to be radical. One particular issue, food safety, did not receive much consideration during the Brexit campaign. What will be done to fill in where the EU left off? Ambivalence over what the U.K.’s legislative framework will resemble has caused more than a little anxiety, but along with the bigger political issues there is still opportunity for the U.K. to enhance food safety regulation and re-instill confidence in its food system.

For the time being — and until Article 50 is enacted — things will remain status quo. As the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the U.K.’s authority on food safety from farm to fork, reflected in a newsletter published on June 30 regarding the EU Referendum, “It is clear that the process of leaving the EU will take some time, a date has to be determined and, until the time of exit, EU legislation remains in place. FSA officials will continue to provide guidance and support to food businesses and competent food authorities that reflect the requirements of EU legislation.”  Food business operators (FBO) are also expected to conduct business within existing EU and U.K. food hygiene legislation.