There are a number of different pieces of legislation relating to the food industry and many of these originate from European food law.

The Food Safety Act 1990 provides the framework for food legislation in Great Britain. 

Click on the images below to find out what is covered under the Food Safety Act.

Food hygiene and safety is overseen by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). 

The FSA works with local authorities to enforce food safety regulations.  

The Food Standards Act 1999 was introduced to establish the FSA and their role in protecting public health in relation to food.  Local authority environmental health officers carry out inspections to ensure businesses are complying with food safety regulations. 

Any establishment breaching food hygiene standards can be served with a notice of improvement, and can, in extreme circumstances, be closed temporarily or permanently if the practices are considered to be a health hazard. Businesses can also be prosecuted for breaching standards.

All businesses providing food must have a plan based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.  More about this later on!The Care Quality Commission (CQC) require any care service that handles, stores, prepares and serves food and drinks to meet the requirements of the legislation.  This means all care and support workers involved in handling, storing, preparing or serving food need to be competent and safe to practice in relation to food safety and hygiene.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees and the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess the risks to workers and others who may be affected by their work.

Care providers must ensure that…

• Policies and procedures are in place incorporating a reporting system that encourages people to report and record incidents and accidents.  
• There are suitable arrangements for monitoring performance and providing additional support.Care plans and risk assessments need to take account of the real and significant risks relating to food for each individual receiving support and these must be regularly reviewed. Make sure you know where the Care Plan is kept and follow it carefully.