FDF Annual Review 2011: Supported by science

We worked tirelessly throughout the year to encourage evidence-based decision-making on a range of issues, from packaging components to naturally-occurring and process contaminants

Through the work of our technical committees, we have continued to maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders and to have an influential voice on key issues on members' behalf.

We continued to work with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on the proportionate handling of incidents and in efforts to prevent them through horizon-scanning and identification of emerging risks. Participating in a number of the FSA's incident-response exercises, we sought to inject the commercial realities of operational continuity and media management into the planning scenarios.

The expertise of our executive team and that of our member committees, under the leadership of the Food Safety and Science Steering Group, has provided a valuable knowledge pool for the FSA and others to draw on. As an example our allergens working group provided assistance on the development and trial of a root cause analysis tool which has resulted in improved guidance to companies on allergen management strategies.

Recognising the importance of research and development to the UK industry's competitive position, FDF has been actively participating in the Food Research Partnership chaired by Government Chief Scientist Sir John Beddington and fora such as the Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network. We will continue to ensure that the needs of food manufacturers are well understood and will support members in improving their understanding of what is a very complex funding structure. We will explore the potential of the UK National Technology Platform (NTP) in supporting industry's needs in Europe.

We worked tirelessly throughout the year to encourage evidence-based decision-making on a range of issues, from packaging components to naturally-occurring and process contaminants, promoting voluntary action through guidance, in preference to a further proliferation of detailed regulatory requirements.

Of note, was our work with FoodDrinkEurope and the FSA, from which we secured the authorisation of certain additives essential to a number of iconic British brands by challenging the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) over-conservative exposure assessments. As a direct result of our work with and through FoodDrinkEurope, EFSA is now reconsidering its methodology.

One of our most important roles is the provision of comprehensive guidance to the industry. We have provided detailed information on the use of the term 'natural' and delivered a series of four live webinars to raise awareness amongst food companies of potential strategies to minimise acrylamide formation in certain foods.

We have substantially reviewed and updated our 'Food to Feed' guidance to help members navigate through the legal maze associated with the use of surplus food as animal feed. This guidance will also assist the FSA in its response to criticisms about this part of the feed business in the European Commission Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) 2009 and 2011 audit reports.

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