The BFFF Technical Expert Group met on June 7^th at the Newark Showground, in Lincolnshire, to review and discuss the very latest developments in key areas affecting our members.

But before we launched into the packed agenda, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate with the group by showing off our ‘Best Trade Organisation for 2023’ trophy which we were awarded at the Food Management Today Industry Awards in London the night before. We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised for our efforts, and a big thank you goes out to those who nominated us.

The meeting was well attended, as always, and the group managed to work its way through several ‘meaty’ subjects, sharing very relevant insight and thoughts on such things as the Border Target Operating Model, GB-NI Trade, mechanically separated meat, and the recent apparent rise in Listeria incidents.

We were then joined by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) who presented us with an overview of their work, investigatory powers, and advice. It was also interesting to hear about some of their case studies, where months of tireless work have resulted in exposing and successfully prosecuting serious and organised criminality.
Please do look out for updates from the NFCU on our website and appearing in the BFFF Technical and Legislative newsletters. The unit also has a quarterly industry newsletter which shares current information on food fraud and the work of the NFCU which you may wish to subscribe to NFCU.Prevention@food.gov.uk

As the meeting is conducted under Chatham House rules, we will be unable to share the full minutes outside of the group, but please feel free to contact deniserion@bfff.co.uk should you want to discuss anything further.