Page 56 — British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)

DEFRA PUBLISHES OUTCOME OF FAIRER FOOD LABELLING CONSULTATION

Posted on July 30, 2025January 9, 2026 by Denise Rion

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently published the summary of responses and the government response to the consultation on fairer food labelling.

This consultation was a joint UK-wide consultation undertaken by Defra on behalf of the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. It ran for 8 weeks from 12th March to 7th May 2024 and sought views on proposals for clearer food labelling through improved method of production and country of origin labelling.

A total of 31,011 responses were received from individuals as well as a range of organisations, including public bodies, industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academic institutions.

The consultation revealed that the majority of respondents support changing mandatory country of origin labelling rules so that they apply to the meat used in minimally processed meat products. It also showed that there was strong support for mandatory method of production labelling reform.

In response, Defra stated that they “will consider all views as we go forwards and will continue to work with relevant stakeholders including farming and food industry stakeholders, vets, scientists and NGOs as part of this continuing policy development”.

“Recognising the strong support from the public and other stakeholders for clearer food information on welfare standards, we will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the UK Government’s development of an overarching approach to animal welfare and the wider food strategy. We will continue to work with the Devolved Governments on this”.

CIEH WARNS OF SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH TIK-TOK SHOPS NOT DECLARING ALLERGENS

Posted on July 30, 2025January 7, 2026 by Denise Rion

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has issued a warning about snacks and sweets being sold on TikTok without allergen information being provided.

The warning follows a BBC investigation which found that listings on TikTok show people selling snacks and sweets without highlighting they contain one of 14 main allergens that UK businesses are legally required to declare.

When the BBC brought these listings to TikTok’s attention, it deleted them, however it is currently still possible to sell food on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergy information.

A major recent study by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed that approximately 6% of the UK adult population, or around 2.4 million people, live with a clinically confirmed food allergy. Food allergies are a cause of particular concern in young children, where the incidence of food allergy (which is often life threatening) is estimated to be 5-8% in toddlers.

Around 10 people die from allergic reactions to food every year in the UK with hospital admissions for allergic reactions going up by 161.3% over the last 20 years.

CIEH state that they have seen many high-profile cases of where wrong food allergen labelling or practice in food businesses has led to loss of life, showing just how critical it is that this information is provided and is accurate.

The warning from CIEH echoes calls from charities such as Anaphylaxis UK for allergy sufferers to be vigilant when buying food online – if the product they are buying does not contain ingredient and allergen information, do not buy it.

In light of the fact that the growth of food being purchased online and via social media is bound to increase, CIEH is calling on the Government to future-proof the UK’s food safety and integrity framework, ensuring it remains robust and adaptable.

They have called for the introduction of a ‘permit to trade’ for all registered food businesses to ensure a food business cannot open unless appropriate information has been provided and the necessary food safety measures and controls are in place.

EU COURT UPHOLDS ECHA DECISION CLASSIFYING MELAMINE AS SUBSTANCE OF VERY HIGH CONCERN

Posted on July 29, 2025January 7, 2026 by Denise Rion

On 26 August 2022, the competent German authority submitted a dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in favour of the identification of melamine as substance of very high concern, namely a chemical substance with probable serious effects on human health and the environment under the REACH Regulation.

After receiving the comments of the interested parties and following the unanimous vote of the Member State Committee (MSC), ECHA adopted, on 16 December 2022, a decision identifying melamine as substances of very high concern on the ground that it had probable serious effects on human health and the environment.

A number of undertakings that produce or use melamine, established in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and in the United States – including LAT Nitrogen Piesteritz GmbH, Cornerstone Chemical Co. and Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. OG – brought an action before the General Court of the European Union seeking the annulment of that decision.

In its two judgments, the General Court has now rejected all of their arguments and therefore has dismissed their actions.

More information can be found in a recent press release from the EU Court of Justice

EFSA PUBLISH SCIENTIFIC OPINION ON STYRENE IN PLASTIC FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS

Posted on July 29, 2025January 7, 2026 by Denise Rion

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM) has published a Scientific Opinion on the risks to public health from styrene present in plastic food contact materials.

EFSA was requested by the European Commission to re‐evaluate the potential genotoxicity of styrene after oral exposure and its safety for use in plastic FCM with a specific migration limit (SML) of 40 μg/kg food.

A rigorous assessment of the in vivo genotoxicity studies (i) provided by third parties, (ii) identified by a targeted literature search and (iii) reported in the 2019 IARC Monograph was performed. All studies were assessed for reliability and relevance and the results integrated in the weight of evidence.

The Panel concluded that there was no evidence that styrene is genotoxic following oral exposure. For substances demonstrated to be non‐genotoxic (according to the EFSA Note for Guidance for FCM) a specific migration limit (SML) up to 50 μg/kg food would not be of safety concern. Consequently, the use of styrene in the manufacture of food contact materials respecting the SML of 40 μg/kg food proposed by the European Commission is not of safety concern.

The Scientific opinion can be accessed in full here.

THE EUROPEAN STANDARD ON REFRIGERATION SAFETY, EN 378, IS UNDERGOING A REVISION AND A DRAFT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Posted on July 23, 2025January 12, 2026 by Sarah Collison

The European Standard on Refrigeration Safety, EN 378, is undergoing a revision and a draft version, prEN 378:2026 has been issued for public comment.  One of the Technical Committee members from the Institute of Refrigeration, presented an overview of the main changes in the draft standard to a meeting at FETA headquarters on Wednesday 16th July and the notes from the meeting are available here while a summary of the key points of Steve’s presentation can be viewed here. We encourage all BFFF members to engage in the consultation process by reading the draft standard and submitting comments through the on-line BSI portal.

The closing date for submitting comments online is 26 August.

The BSI online standards review portal instructions and links can be found below. Please also find here the BSI portal user guide.

To access the public consultation prEN 378 please find below 4 links in green.
When you click each hyperlink you will be taken to a landing page with a ‘read draft and comment’, push the button in red to access the part
If you already have an account, then just enter your credentials, log in and the relevant prEN 378 online viewer page will open, if not register, it’s free of charge, you will then be returned to the online viewer page
On the viewer page you can scroll up and down through the contents (with shortcuts) or within the standard itself on the scroll bars
Each clause has an Add/View comments link, if you click on this a ‘word like’ screen will open where you can enter your comments and proposed changes (every comment should have a proposal where possible)
You ‘save’ each comment/proposal as you go (this leaves your comment and proposal in an editable state)
You need to use the ‘submit’ button to make them public and visible to BSI for the enquiry process
Alternatively, you can ‘Discard’ the comment if you have changed your mind

Note: Your comments are not finalised until you use the ‘Submit’ button (for each comment), and they are anonymous.

The revised prEN 378 (Parts 1, 2, 3, & 5) standard is now open for public consultation (see links below). The consultation period will remain open until 26 August 2025.

Title: prEN 378-1 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria

Title: prEN 378-2 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation

Title: prEN 378-3 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 3: Installation site and personal protection

Title: prEN 378-5 Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 5: Safety classification and information about refrigerants

Forthcoming Events:

§ IOR Masterclass: Sub-Cooling and Superheat – 23 September 2025

WINNERS: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AWARD FROM COLD CHAIN FEDERATION

Posted on July 23, 2025January 7, 2026 by Sarah Collison

At the beginning of the year, the Thermoscreens team were proud to accept the Sustainable Innovation Award at this year’s Cold Chain Federation Awards! The award celebrates our pioneering work in improving energy efficiency and environmental performance within cold storage facilities.

This milestone specifically recognises Thermoscreens’ Cold Chain product range — a suite of air curtains designed for frozen and chilled environments. These advanced air management systems are now being used throughout the UK to minimise energy loss, reduce strain on refrigeration equipment, and stabilise internal temperatures in high-traffic cold stores.

As proud members of the Cold Chain Federation, Thermoscreens and the whole Carver Group shares CCF’s commitment to advancing sustainability and best practice across the temperature-controlled supply chain. Being part of this community allows us to engage with key industry stakeholders, stay ahead of regulatory developments, and actively contribute to the future of cold chain infrastructure in the UK.

Thermoscreens UK Sales Manager, Ali Fawcett, said “Proud to be involved in the innovative cold store air curtain development which has seen early success in the industry. Congrats to all involved at Carver Group who have made this happen and thank you to the Cold Chain Federation for the Sustainable Innovation Award.”

Aidan Killeen, CEO at Carver Goup also congratulated the team on LinkedIn:

“talk to customers, find a problem, solve it…keep up the good work.”

Unlike traditional approaches such as PVC strip curtains and airlocks with dehumidification, Thermoscreens’ air curtains offer a smarter solution for cold storage areas. By creating a controlled air barrier at access points, they significantly reduce the ingress of warm, humid air without impeding workflow — improving both sustainability, productivity and safety.

Thermoscreens’ Cold Chain range continues to gain traction across the UK and Europe, supporting cold store efficiency in food logistics, pharmaceutical storage, and temperature-critical warehousing.

A few reasons to become a member of BFFF

To find out more about becoming a member call 01400 283 095 or email the team

Join BFFF

Member profile on BFFF website

Free BFFF Member List

Free listing in the annual Member Directory

Access to latest industry news and information

Weekly newsletter, press and media opportunities

Press and media opportunities

Marketing, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities

Networking via opportunities at BFFF events

Free market data provided by Circana and World Panel

Access to industry specialists

Expert guidance from Technical and Health & Safety teams

Access to Primary Authority schemes and assured advice

H&S Audit Service/Advice

Free access to HR and legal guidance and advice line

Training and Education

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

BFFF energy deals and rates
Vypr member deals and introduction
Defib Plus deals
Company Shop – membership
Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
Annual Lunch
Awards Night

Become a member

Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

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