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Who we are and what we do

The FSA was established in 2000 following several high-profile outbreaks of foodborne illness, and we are the independent government department working to protect public health and consumers’ wider interests in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We are a non-ministerial department of about 1,600 people with a big vision to drive change in the food system so that it delivers our mission of food you can trust.

At the FSA we have a professional, friendly and supportive work environment.

We use the best science and evidence; we work openly and transparently, and we work at national and international levels to make a difference.

We protect consumers by ensuring that food is safe and is what it says it is and play our part in helping to make food healthier and more sustainable for everyone.

What we do

From policy making to evidence generating and regulating, here’s what we do to keep food safe.

We are an evidence generator

We have a global reputation for science and research. From the rapid assessment of risks to consumer safety, to developing new surveillance techniques to identify risks more quickly, to understanding consumer values, attitudes and behaviours.

A woman with a less visible disability working on a laptop. She is wearing a hearing aid.

We are a policymaker

We advise ministers on food safety, food authenticity and consumer interests in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The policy areas we advise on are different in each nation. Our advice is based on science and evidence.

We are a regulator

We regulate the food system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We directly deliver controls in meat, primary dairy and wine production, and oversee the delivery of controls in other parts of the food system.

We are a watchdog

We review and report on food standards and consumer interests in relation to food, using horizon scanning, intelligence and surveillance. We speak out publicly about areas of consumer interest, when we have evidence or expertise that could make a difference.

We are a convenor and collaborator

Food is a devolved matter. We work closely with other departments in UK Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, and with Food Standards Scotland, to deliver shared priorities and ensure consumer interests in food are represented. 

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