The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to be attacked by the UK's grocery retailers for its "tabloid approach". Chief executives of the leading high street supermarkets are unhappy with the agency's work on consumer affairs rather than pure food safety issues.
Speaking on behalf of his members, Richard Ali, food policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium ((BRC) reinforced the sector's support for the FSA in principle, but said it needed to improve its regulations and communications.
Ali expressed disappointment at the FSA's consistent failure to carry out cost-benefit analysis before making its policies public, as required by cabinet Office guidelines. He said this was leading to policy decisions being "swayed by a few local pressure groups" rather than reflecting the needs of consumers generally.
The BRC also claimed that FSA communication methods were short-term, particularly aiming its displeasure at naming and shaming of specific products. "It is much better for consumers to have a consistent scientific line rather than the worst excesses of tabloid journalism being used, which is what the agency normally does."
The call by the FSA for a national debate on obesity and surrounding health issues was however welcomed by the BRC's members, who voiced a preference for a broad government-backed campaign along the lines of campaigns against drink driving. Ali said: "Rather than pick on individual products, people should be given advice about a balanced diet - eating more fruit and vegetables and less meat. They should also be told about the value of exercise and sports."
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