Welsh food law committee gets under way

A Welsh committee that will help develop, deliver and implement food law policy in the devolved nation will meet for the first time this month, with CIEH as a member.

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething, Labour AM, announced the formation of the new committee in July.

The Welsh Food Law Enforcement Liaison Committee will meet four times a year and bring together knowledge, skills, and expertise across a range of partners including government, the Food Standards Agency, local authorities and other key partners.

Kate Thompson, director of CIEH Wales, who will sit on the committee, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for those with an interest in food regulation to work collaboratively, to inform the development and delivery of food law policy and practice for the benefit of consumers in Wales.”

The committee will support the Welsh Food Advisory Committee, informing their guidance on the development of food law strategies, policies and delivery. It will contribute to the coordination of food and feed safety enforcement, be a consultative forum for early policy development and a place to share best practice.

Its role is to maintain and develop links with key stakeholders. It will also support the FSA's work and help build effective working relationships between member organisations. Work by partners to develop and deliver the Wales Obesity Strategy will also be aided by the committee.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Wales Food Law Enforcement Liaison Committee will support the work of the FSA. It will provide information and expert advice in relation to food and feed law enforcement and will contribute to the development and implementation of FSA strategies and provide a new strategic approach to food policy in Wales."

The first meeting will take place on 21 October.