Existing controls in the food chain are to be tightened up thanks to a new incidents task force set up by the Food Standards Agency.

The new task force will be chaired by the FSA chief executive Dr Jon Bell and will include senior representatives from the food industry, enforcement authorities and consumer organisations as well as two independent members.

“In the light of recent Sudan 1 and Para Red food withdrawals we need to find practical ways of reducing the number of incidents of food contamination,” said Julia Unwin, acting chair of the FSA. 

“When they do occur, we need quick, effective and appropriate action from all those involved.”

The task force will:

• Look at practical ways of reducing the likelihood of food contamination incidents.
• Identify ways of deciding upon the proportionality of any response.
• Ensure that each stakeholder is aware responsibilities in case of food contamination alert so action is taken quickly and effectively.
• Look at ways to solve the problem.

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