FSA and DAERA

An Independent government department responsible for food safety and protecting consumers health in relation to food. 

- Use their expertise to ensure consumers can trust the food they are buying and eating. 

Role of FSA 

• Works with authorities (Belfast City Council)  to enforce legislation and monitor food safety. 
• Advise ministers on food safety and standards issues, proposing legislation and developing policies.  
• Keeps consumers informed about food safety issues or product recalls via email or text message (rapid early warning system). 
• Provided consumers with unbiased information/advice regarding a number of food safety issues such as mycotoxins, GMO foods, food allergies, pesticides, veterinary medicines and radioactivity of foods etc.  
• Provided caterers/the food industry with advice and guidance, for example, they provide butchers with guidance regarding hygienic production, food safety and labelling. 
• Hygiene rating scheme (1-5): a partnership with local authorities in order to help reduce foodborne illnesses and give consumers information about hygiene standards in restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels and food shops.  
  

DAERA is part of the NI Executive. 

• They are concered for the needs of consumers, animals and plant health. 

Work of DAERA

- Meat inspection: have an important role in slaughterhouses through the VPHP, they ensure that purchasers, hauliers, suppliers and processers comply with food safety laws. 

- Food imports: DAERA plays a role in checking and regulating food imports in NI. They have responsibilities in NI to detect smuggled goods from non-EU countries, any illegal products must be taken away and destroyed. 

- Egg packers inspection: Ensure all packaging factories comply with hygiene standards and regulations, provided guidance regarding legislation. 

- Veterinary medicines and residue: Provided information regarding safe levels of VM and residue throughout the food chain.