The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has responded strongly to claims made by Food Standards Agency (FSA) chair Professor Susan Jebb, who recently suggested that food standards would drop without better veterinary presence within meat production.
She cited concern for a lack of professionals within the safeguarding of food in the
UK and called on the government to assist in any shortcomings following the release of its annual ‘Our Food’ report.
Dr Jason Aldiss, head of external affairs at AIMS, stated that overlooked the obligation for the safe production of food that business operators are obligated to adhere to.
He said: “In its early years, FSA was committed to adopting a risk-based approach to meat regulation, but since it took over delivery of meat official controls it has become entirely risk-averse, focusing on unnecessary veterinary oversight rather than trusting food business organisations (FBOs) to meet their legal duties.
“The law is clear: FBOs are responsible for food safety. Veterinarians are only required to verify that FBOs are doing what they say they are doing, not to manage their processes.
“Suggesting that standards would fall without vets on-site is inaccurate and ignores the role of modern technology and business-led safety measures.
“Full-time veterinary presence adds costs without improving food safety and distracts from real innovations like blockchain and AI, which can provide more effective oversight.”
AIMS is now calling for a technology-driven approach to remove additional costs for FBOs.
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