May 10th, 2023
3 mins
The Food Standards Agency has launched a 12-week consultation seeking views on the proposed developments for a modernised food hygiene delivery model (FHDM).
The aim is to develop a model that is fit for the future and ensures that the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) continues to operate successfully and maintains consumer confidence.
Stakeholders’ views are sought on the following proposed developments:
- A modernised food hygiene intervention rating scheme, including a decision matrix, to determine the appropriate frequency of food hygiene controls based on the risk posed by a food business establishment.
- An updated risk-based approach to the timescales for initial official controls of new food establishments, and for undertaking due official controls.
- Increased flexibility as to the methods and techniques of official controls that can be used to risk rate an establishment, including the appropriate use of remote assessment.
- Extending the activities that officers, such as Regulatory Support Officers, who do not hold a ‘suitable qualification’ for food hygiene can, if competent, undertake.
The consultations for England, Wales and Northern Ireland are available on the FSA website and will run until 30 June 2023.
They are open to local authorities and district councils, food business operators, third-party assurance organisations for food safety, professional awarding bodies for environmental health and trading standards, trade unions and other interested groups.
All comments and views should be included in the consultation response form and emailed to hygienemodelreview@food.gov.uk
