Viewpoint: the story so far: An overview of developments in UK food regulation and associated advisory committees

Abstract

Modern food law can trace its roots back to the late nineteenth century when the Adulteration of Food and Drink Act 1860 was introduced. Since then the legislation has developed and evolved, often in response to specific incidents where an apparently insignificant change to a process or recipe has impacted on food safety. Progressively, controls on food standards and labelling were developed and introduced, the pace quickening from about 1950 onwards. Controls from the 1970s have had to be harmonised across the European Community. Recent concerns over food safety have involved food irradiation and genetic modification. Assurances from experts about the safety of these processes have not entirely satisfied consumers, with the result that labelling has been an important piece of the regulatory jigsaw in these cases. Labelling is also to the fore in the current debate on functional foods. These, and other, issues command the attention of the government’s advisory bodies, in particular the Food Advisory Committee. The regulatory process must become more open and allow public participation if government and expert committees are to win and retain the confidence of the consuming public.

Citation

Turner, A. (1999), "Viewpoint: the story so far: An overview of developments in UK food regulation and associated advisory committees", British Food Journal, Vol. 101 No. 4, pp. 274-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070709910272141