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Shaping Scotland’s Food Future Our Strategy to 2021
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 01
and Corporate Plan
Our Strategy to 2021
Chairman’s
Foreword
I am delighted to introduce We commenced officially on impact of diet-related ill health,
Food Standards Scotland’s 1 April 2015 as the new public including conditions related to
(FSS) Strategy for the period sector food body for Scotland. overweight and obesity.
2016‑2021. This Strategy Our focus is the interests of
sets out the high-level strategic consumers in relation to food. This Strategy sets out our
direction for FSS for the next five We are independent of industry ambitious vision, with six
years, and our first Corporate and the Scottish Government, Strategic Outcomes that will
Plan describes our priorities and we are accountable to the be the focus for what we do.
and what we will do between public in Scotland through the It also describes the values
now and 2019 to help move us Scottish Parliament. and principles that will
towards our vision of creating a underpin everything that
food and drink environment in FSS’s work is an integral part we do. We will ensure that
Scotland that benefits, protects of helping Scotland become the information and advice
and is trusted by consumers. a healthier, more successful we provide is independent,
nation. The Scottish food and consistent, evidence-based and
FSS was formed following drink industry is a hugely consumer-focused. And to be
the Scottish Government’s successful sector, making a successful in our work to protect
acceptance of the principal significant contribution to public health, to help people in
recommendation of the Scotland’s economy, and with Scotland have diets conducive
Scudamore report published in a strong reputation at home to good health, and to protect
April 2012 that, whereas the
1
and abroad. FSS has an the other interests of consumers
UK Government was dispersing important role to play in in relation to food, we will work
certain functions of the Food sustaining this reputation, collaboratively and in partnership
Standards Agency to other ensuring that consumers both with others.
Government departments, in Scotland and beyond have
Scotland’s consumers would confidence that food and drink As Chair, I look forward to
be better served by having produced here is safe and working with: my fellow Board
a single food standards authentic. We have a leading members; the staff; stakeholders;
authority. FSS was established role to play in preventing the and consumers over the life of
by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 public suffering unnecessarily this Strategy to help us create a
as a non-ministerial body from preventable foodborne food and drink environment in
corporate, part of the Scottish illnesses. Our statutory role also Scotland that benefits, protects
Administration but separate includes providing advice in and is trusted by consumers.
from, the Scottish Government. relation to diet and nutrition,
with a particular focus on how
we can help people in Scotland
1. http://www.gov.scot/ have diets that support good Ross Finnie
Publications/2012/04/6141/0 health, thereby reducing the August 2016
Our Strategy to 2021 1 Our Purpose 04 2 Our Vision 05 3 The Food Landscape 06 4 Wider Food Policy in Scotland 08 5 Food and Health 10 6 Putting the Consumer First 12 7 Our Strategic Priorities 14 8 Our Values and Principles 16 9 Our Contribution to the Scottish Government’s Purpose 18 10 Delivering Our Strategy 22
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 04/05
Our Strategy to 2021
1 2
Our purpose Our vision
1.1 1.4
To create a food and
FSS’s purpose is defined in the The Act also identifies a number
Food (Scotland) Act 2015 .
2
of general functions for FSS,
summarised below:
£1bn 1.2
drink environment in
a. to develop and help others
The 2015 Act gives FSS
develop policies on food
The cost of obesity three objectives:
to Scottish society is and animal feed;
to protect the public from
Scotland that benefits,
currently estimated to l
be at least £1billion b. to advise the Scottish
risks to health which may
per year. Government, other authorities
arise in connection with
and the public on food and
the consumption of food;
animal feed;
to improve the extent to
protects and is trusted
l
c. to keep the Scottish public
which members of the
and users of animal feed
public have diets which
advised to help them make
by consumers.
are conducive to good
informed decisions about
health; and
food and feed stuffs; and
l to protect the other interests
d. to monitor the performance of
of consumers in relation
food enforcement authorities.
to food.
1.5
1.3
FSS is defined in law as a
In setting out our purpose,
‘competent authority’ and an
the Act provides FSS with the
‘enforcement authority’ to
legitimacy to carry out activities
implement and monitor
to help achieve these objectives,
Scottish and EU food and feed
and in doing so, to protect
regulations. This gives us a
consumers and help them
role as a regulator in relation It is clear from the statutory objectives in the Act that consumers – the public –
to have better health.
to food and feed law. should be at the heart of everything we do, and therefore FSS should put
consumers first and foremost. Putting consumers first is the value that is at
2. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ the heart of FSS’s vision.
asp/2015/1/contents/enacted
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 06/07
Our Strategy to 2021
3 3.4
The Food
Political and structural factors
are important contexts – nearly all
Landscape
food and feed law now originates
from the European Union. In the
interests of consumers, business
and stakeholders, FSS will work
with and provide advice to the
3.1 Scottish Government to ensure 3.5
Describing the food landscape is Whilst it is the responsibility of that whatever the outcome of FSS’s primary concerns are To underpin this, we will adopt
helpful in contextualising how we all food businesses in Scotland the negotiations with the EU, protecting public health in and implement a regulatory
should translate our purpose into Demographic to ensure the food they sell and the highest levels of food relation to food safety and strategy which transparently
strategic priorities to 2021. Such as increasing demand for produce is safe, FSS has safety and food standards diet, and the other interests of outlines our approach to
food from a growing population. a role in ensuring that they meet will be maintained. consumers in relation to food, regulatory decision making and
3.2 these responsibilities, and to for example ensuring that targets interventions in ways that
It is widely predicted that many ensure that effective action is consumers can have confidence effectively identify and dissuade
different things are expected to taken if they do not. that the food they buy is non-compliance, while providing
affect the supply of food to the authentic and accurately incentives and rewards for
UK, including Scotland, over the Economic labelled with information that compliance.
next 25 years or more, but it is Where market forces or the they can understand and trust.
difficult to predict the pace and Locally, FSS is highly dependent In working to achieve these
wider economic environment
nature of these changes. on our partners in Scotland’s goals and putting the consumer
may encourage unscrupulous
32 local authorities who are interest first, we also have a
operators in food supply chains
3.3 responsible for carrying out much responsibility to ensure that food
to cut corners.
It is recognised that pressures on of the ‘on-the-ground’ delivery businesses are treated fairly,
production systems and supply of food and feed law, including and that our regulatory functions
chains at home and elsewhere compliance and enforcement are proportionate and do not
may have impacts on consumers. work. The future sustainability add undue burden to industry.
These pressures may be: of these services, provided by
skilled and competent teams
and individuals, is key to our
activities in protecting consumers,
in an environment where
Environmental resources to support these
For example in relation to the services are reducing.
availability of land, water
and energy for growing and
producing food.
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 08/09
Our Strategy to 2021
The number of people
Scotland’s food and drink sector
employs is approximately
350,000
4
Wider Food Policy
in Scotland
4.1 4.2
The food and drink sector is a The importance of the food 3. http://www.foodanddrink.scot/ Scottish food Scottish food and drink
significant part of Scotland’s and drink sector to Scotland
economy. Employing some is widely recognised. ‘Recipe
about-us.aspx
exports surpassed exports for 2014 were
350,000 people in Scotland, for Success’ , Scotland’s first
6
4. news.scotland.gov.uk/News/
valued at
£5.1billion
New-record-for-Scottish-food-
there are ambitions to grow national food and drink policy exports-1933.aspx
the industry to £16.5 billion by published in 2009, focused
a year
2017 . In 2014, Scottish food
3
primarily on economic growth of 5. gov.scot/About/Performance/
exports surpassed £1.1 billion the sector. In 2014, the Scottish scotPerforms/purpose
for the first time, with total food Government launched the next 6. gov.scot/Publications/2009/06/
and drink exports valued at £5.1 phase of its public dialogue 25133322/0
billion. These figures, from official on food and drink through its
7. gov.scot/Publications/
HMRC export statistics for 2014 , discussion paper ‘Becoming
4
2014/06/1195
show that food exports grew by a Good Food Nation’ .
7
3.5per cent in 2013. The food This recognises that whilst
and drink sector therefore makes considerable progress continues
a significant contribution to the to be made, particularly in terms
Scottish economy and has an of economic growth, substantial
important role to play in meeting challenges remain. These
the Scottish Government’s include areas where FSS can
purpose to focus Government make an important contribution,
and public services on creating for example in relation to diet
a more successful country, with and health, and awareness
opportunities for all of Scotland about food and food culture.
to flourish, through increasing The aspirations of Good Food
sustainable economic growth .
£1.1billion
Nation recognise the need for a
5
cross-policy approach, and FSS
is ideally placed to contribute to
a year
some of these wider ambitions.
in 2014
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 10/11
Our Strategy to 2021
5.5
Households in the In addition to health problems
most deprived areas related to poor diet, considerable
consume: numbers of consumers in Scotland
suffer from food poisoning every
Significantly year. Data derived from the
less fruit and Food Standards Agency (FSA)
veg, oily fish
5 and fibre second Infectious Intestinal Disease
Study , (IID2) suggests that there
12,13
are an estimated 43,000 cases of
Food foodborne illness in Scotland each
year, of which 23,000 are thought
and
to be caused by Campylobacter.
Scotland knows at first hand the
Health
More
devastating impact that foodborne
added sugars illness can have – the E. coli
O157 outbreak in Wishaw in
1996 claimed 21 lives .
14
5.1 5.3 5.6 5.8
Scotland faces considerable The cost of obesity to Scottish Whilst the lack of progress Our Vision is to create a food and So, whilst Scotland’s food and 8. oecd.org/els/health-systems/
challenges in relation to food society is currently estimated to be towards meeting the SDGs is drink environment in Scotland that drink sector continues to flourish Obesity-Update-2014.pdf
and health. We know that at least £1 billion per year, and apparent amongst households in benefits, protects and is trusted by and makes a very important
9. foodstandards.gov.scot/
poor diets are one of the most may be as high as £4.5 billion both the least and most deprived consumers, so we must consider contribution to the Scottish
monitoring-progress-towards-scottish-
significant causes of ill health per year, once wider economic areas of Scotland, we know that both food and drink in our work. economy, there remain significant
dietary-goals-2001-2012-report-2
in Scotland and are a major costs are taken into account. households in the most deprived Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic challenges around food, diet and
factor in overweight and obesity. areas consume significantly less drinks can contribute calories to public health. FSS’s efforts must 10. gov.scot/Publications/
Poor diet contributes to Scotland 5.2 fruit and vegetables, oil-rich fish the diet, with potential impacts on be focussed on addressing these 2010/02/17140721/0
having one of the highest Health outcomes related to and fibre, and consume more weight and the health conditions and other challenges related to the 11. food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/
prevalence rates of overweight diet are not just those to which added sugars than households in associated with overweight and consumer interest, ensuring that scotland-executive-summary-food-and-
and obesity in Europe . Almost
8
overweight and obesity can the least deprived areas. We must obesity. There are well-known consumers’ health and wellbeing you-2014.pdf
two-thirds of adults in Scotland contribute. Diets that are too high ensure that our work contributes to health consequences linked to are protected, and that they can
narrowing and not widening any have confidence in the authenticity 12. food.gov.uk/science/research/
are either overweight or obese, in salt can have harmful health the consumption and over-
inequality gaps, and to help guide of food they buy – so to do this, foodborneillness/b14programme/
and progress in meeting the outcomes – hypertension and consumption of alcohol. There
us, we should undertake health we must put the consumer first. b14projlist/b18021
Scottish Dietary Goals (SDGs) stroke – and we know there can are other bodies whose focus
is negligible . Health outcomes
9
be health impacts – neural tube equality impact assessments is on alcohol and health, so we 13. food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/IID2
related to poor diet are well- defects – in babies born to women when developing policy. will work collaboratively with %20extension%20report%20-%20FINAL
known – overweight and obesity with low folate status before and in them to help achieve our Vision. %2025%20March%202014_0.pdf
contributes to higher risk of heart the early stages of pregnancy. 5.4
14. The Pennington Group (1997)
disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes We know that the affordability 5.7
‘Report on the Circumstances Leading
and some cancers. The Scottish of food is important to many Further, the Food Crime Annual
to the 1996 Outbreak of Infection with
Government’s Obesity Routemap consumers, and we know from Strategic Assessment , published
15
E.coli 0157 in Central Scotland: The
recent surveys that some in March 2016 by FSS and FSA,
11
published in 2010 estimates that
10
Implications for Food Safety and the
the direct NHS Scotland costs consumers feel that cost is a considers spirits to be a substantial
Lessons to be Learned’ Edinburgh:
of obesity will almost double barrier to eating more healthily. area of concern given the potential
The Stationery Office
by 2030, and if current trends FSS does not have the direct health risks and intelligence
continue, we can expect 40per drivers to influence the cost of suggesting counterfeiting issues 15. foodstandards.gov.scot/sites/
cent of the Scottish population to Health outcomes food, but could help consumers in the UK. default/files/FCASA%20report.pdf
be obese by that date. related to poor diet find ways to eat an affordable,
are well known healthy diet.
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 12/13
Our Strategy to 2021
6.1
To put the consumer at the
heart of what we do, we need
to understand what matters to
consumers in relation to food.
Consumers have told us that trust
is essential for FSS, so we need
to earn and keep that trust. A
6 2015 survey shows that FSS
16
is fortunate in inheriting from
Putting the
the Food Standards Agency in
Scotland a strong level of trust
from consumers in Scotland – we
Consumer First need to build on that and make it
even stronger, so that consumers
trust FSS to put them first.
6.2 6.3 6.4
We have existing knowledge We have statutory objectives Collaborating with others will
about consumers’ attitudes and focussed on protecting the public be key in addressing the other
behaviours in relation to food from risks to health related to the interests of consumers in relation
through work previously consumption of food, and on to food. These other interests
undertaken by the FSA, and improving diets to support won’t always be ones for us to
as FSS. We will expand and better health. We know that take the lead on, but we will
develop this understanding, consumers’ interests in relation be active in working with and
with a clear focus on what to food, our third statutory through others, where there
matters to consumers in objective, are broad and varied, is consumer benefit in
Scotland, now and in the future. and that there can be complex seeking change.
relationships between different
aspects of consumers’ interests. 6.5
Sustainability of food production So, being clear about our
and consumption are important Purpose, and setting that in the
aspects of the wider food context of the challenges that
landscape currently and in the Scotland faces in a rapidly
future. We know, for example, changing food landscape, we
that consumers can find it can define what our priorities are
challenging to follow advice to deliver our Vision – to create
on food safety in the home whilst a food and drink environment in
at the same time, whether driven Scotland that benefits, protects
by sustainability, affordability or and is trusted by consumers.
other reasons, seeking to reduce
food waste. And this can be 16. food.gov.uk/science/research/
made more difficult if consumers ssres/publictrackingsurvey/biannual-
are confused by food labels. public-attitudes-tracker-survey-may-2015
So it’s important to recognise
that consumers are influenced by
many inter-related interests, and
We will focus on what these can bring complexities,
matters to consumers, trade-offs and compromises in
now and in the future. how consumers behave.
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 14/15
Our Strategy to 2021
7.2
Our Corporate Plan defines
what these outcomes mean,
and sets out the work that we
will undertake during the first
three years of this Strategy to
help us towards our Vision.
So the Corporate Plan sets out
what we will do, but we must
7
also be clear about how we
will do this – the values and
principles that will underpin our
Our Strategic work. The links between these
elements are illustrated below:
Priorities
7.1
To deliver our Vision – 1. Food is safe
to create a food and drink
environment in Scotland that Vision
benefits, protects and is
trusted by consumers – 2. Food is authentic
we have set the following
six strategic outcomes: Value and
3. Consumers have
Principles
healthier diets
4. Responsible food Strategic
businesses flourish Objectives
5. FSS is a trusted
organisation Key
Enablers
6. FSS is efficient
and effective
Corporate Plan –
Key Activities
Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 16/17
Our Strategy to 2021
8.2 Values
The values against which we will judge everything we do are:
8 Public service Authority
Our Values Having people at the heart Being a credible, consistent and
and Principles of what we do, putting
consumers first
trusted voice of authority on
food matters in Scotland, basing
our decisions upon sound
science and evidence
8.1 Principles l FSS will seek to work l Those who generate risks
Partnership
The principles that govern collaboratively with other in the food chain take
our actions are: bodies in Scotland, the UK responsibility for controlling
and beyond when this can them to protect consumers, in
l Public health and consumer
realise greater consumer the knowledge that FSS will Collaborating with others
protection in relation to food
will be at the heart of benefit than working alone. act if they fail to do so. to achieve the best outcome
our work. l FSS values its independence l FSS’s decisions and for the public
l FSS engages consumers and alongside Government, actions should support
N
stakeholders in determining whilst recognising its role compliant businesses, and
E
in contributing to wider be effective at dealing with
P
and delivering its priorities,
and listens to what matters to outcomes. non-compliant ones.
O
consumers in relation to food. l FSS fulfils its regulatory l FSS is clear that compliance
l Our work contributes to obligations in Scotland, is good for consumers
narrowing inequalities and in relation to EU food and good for business –
in Scotland. and feed law. protection of public health is
l Food and feed businesses and compatible with business and
l In working to deliver its economic growth.
strategic outcomes, FSS takes other stakeholders that engage
decisions based on evidence. with FSS are treated fairly and
with respect. Openness Independence
Being open and transparent in At arm’s length from Ministers,
our dealings with the public, but aligned with the
stakeholders and partners Government’s PurposeFood Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 18/19
Our Strategy to 2021
9
Our Contribution to the
Scottish Government’s
Purpose
9.1 9.3 9.4 9.5
FSS is not part of the Scottish The National Performance The National Outcomes (see Our children have the We reduce the local FSS’s activities throughout the
Government but as a public Framework contains 16 National Table 1 on page 20) that are best start in life and are and global environmental period of the Strategy must also
body, is part of the wider Scottish Outcomes which describe what most relevant to our purpose ready to succeed. impact of our consumption reflect what Scottish Government
Administration, so our activities the Scottish Government wants and remit are: and production. seeks to achieve in transforming
should contribute to the Scottish to achieve, articulating the public services. This work,
Government’s Purpose: Purpose more fully. They help responding to the Christie
to sharpen the focus of Commission’s recommendations ,
18
‘To focus Government and public
services on creating a more government and bodies such seeks to reform public services
successful country, with as FSS, enabling the priorities through: a decisive shift towards
opportunities for all of Scotland to be clearly understood prevention; greater integration
to flourish, through increasing and provide a clear structure at a local level driven by better
sustainable growth.’ for delivery. The Scottish partnership; workforce
Government recognises that, development; and a sharper,
by organisations collaborating We live longer, We realise our full Our public services are more transparent focus on
9.2 and working in partnership to healthier lives. economic potential high quality, continually performance. These link closely
The Scottish Government’s achieve these outcomes together, with more and better improving, efficient and to the values and principles
National Performance we will collectively make employment opportunities responsive to local outlined in section 8 that underpin
Framework is founded upon Scotland a better place to live for our people. people’s needs. how we will deliver our Strategy.
an outcomes-based approach and a more prosperous and
that FSS is well-placed to successful country.
17. legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/6/
contribute to. This will also help
contents/enacted
to ensure we are aligned with
the Community Empowerment 18. gov.scot/resource/
(Scotland) Act 2015 –
17
doc/352649/0118638.pdf
making sure that our functions
have regard to the National
Outcomes, and put people in We have tackled the We live in a Scotland
Scotland at the heart of what significant inequalities that is the most attractive
we do. in Scottish society. place for doing business
in Europe.Food Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy 20/21
Our Strategy to 2021
Table 1
Mapping FSS Outcomes to
Scottish Government’s National Outcomes
Consumers Responsible FSS is FSS is
National FSS Food Food have food businesses a trusted efficient
Outcome Outcome is safe is authentic healthier diets flourish organisation and effective
We live longer,
healthier lives
We have tackled the significant
inequalities in Scottish society
Our children have the best start
in life and are ready to succeed
We realise our full economic potential
with more and better employment
opportunities for our people
We live in a Scotland that is
the most attractive place for doing
business in Europe
We reduce the local and global
environmental impact of our
consumption and production
Our public services are high quality,
continually improving, efficient and
responsive to local people’s needsFood Standards Scotland 5 Year Strategy
Our Strategy to 2021
10
Delivering
our Strategy
Our Corporate Plan
We have set out in this
Strategy the vision that we
want to achieve – to create a
food and drink environment in
April 2016
Scotland that benefits, protects
and is trusted by consumers.
We have identified the strategic
outcomes that we believe are key
to March 2019
to us achieving this vision, and
our values and principles that will
underpin how we will work. Our
Corporate Plan for 2016 -19 sets
out more detail of what we will
do during that period to move
us towards that vision.
1 Chief Executive’s Foreword 24
2 Key enablers 26
3 Food is safe 28
4 Food is authentic 32
5 Consumers have healthier diets 36
6 Responsible food businesses flourish 40
7 FSS is a trusted organisation 44
8 FSS is efficient and effective 48
9 Our resources 52Food Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 24/25
April 2016 to March 2019
Chief
Executive’s
Foreword
I am pleased to introduce diets which are conducive to to Scotland’s economy. Effective
Food Standards Scotland’s good health. Poor diet is one of regulatory oversight is key to
(FSS) first Corporate Plan. This the most significant causes of ill embedding trust and confidence
sets out what we plan do to health in Scotland and is a major in the industry both at home
March 2019, covering the first factor in overweight and obesity. and in securing export markets,
three years of our five-year We cannot continue on our and the Plan describes what we
Strategy. Our Strategy sets the current trajectory towards 40per will do through our regulatory
direction to help deliver FSS’s cent of the population being strategy to ensure that Scotland’s
Vision – to create a food and obese by 2030, so making an food and drink businesses benefit
drink environment that benefits, impact on the dietary contribution from effective, efficient and
protects and is trusted by to overweight and obesity is a risk-based regulation.
consumers. priority for FSS, and this plan sets
out what we will do over the next Clearly there are many
This is an ambitious and three years to enable people in challenges ahead, not least
challenging Plan, but one that I Scotland to live longer, healthier the nature of Scotland’s future
believe sets us on the right path lives. This will be the start of a relationship with Europe, and
for achieving the six strategic longer journey. the need for all public bodies
outcomes that the FSS Board to be increasingly innovative in
has agreed. The Plan describes We have also set out in the Plan delivering better services more
what we mean by each strategic what we intend to do to ensure efficiently. Strong partnership
outcome, why it is important and Scotland has the capability and working and collaboration will
what we intend to do to help resilience to tackle food crime. be essential for our success –
achieve these outcomes between FSS was created in the shadow working with central and local
now and March 2019. of the horsemeat incident in government, with industry, other
2013, and for consumers to regulators, the third sector and
FSS’s primary concern is have confidence in the food with the public.
consumer protection and supply chain, it is crucial that
we see that as wide ranging. they trust that the food they buy I look forward to the challenge
It includes ensuring that food is safe and authentic – that food that this Plan represents, and to
is safe to eat, so our plan sets out is what they expect it to be. leading FSS’s work to make a
what we will do to protect public Trust and confidence are themes difference for people in Scotland.
health from food safety risks. Our that run throughout this Plan,
founding legislation, the Food and they are key to Scotland
(Scotland) Act 2015 also gave having a successful food and
us a statutory role related to diet drink sector and retaining the Geoff Ogle
– to improve the extent to which sector’s reputation that makes Chief Executive
members of the public have such a significant contribution August 2016Food Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 26/27
April 2016 to March 2019
Key
enablers
FSS is consumer protection – that FSS’s Strategy to 2021 sets The activities outlined Our Approach to Evidence Openness and Engagement Partnership and Collaboration
food is safe to eat, ensuring out our vision – to create a in this Corporate Plan – developing a science and – having transparency at the – we will achieve more benefits
consumers know what they are food and drink environment in represent an ambitious and evidence strategy for FSS heart of our culture will underpin for consumers when we develop
eating and improving diet. Scotland that benefits, protects challenging programme that supports our evidence our strategic approach to meaningful and effective
and is trusted by consumers. of work. To be successful, requirements. This will direct communication. FSS will build partnerships. We will build on
The objectives of FSS as set out we will need to be the best how we identify and prioritise on the Food Standards Agency’s the collaborative relationships
in the Food (Scotland) 2015 Act This Corporate Plan sets out organisation we can be, our evidence needs, enabling (FSA) approach to openness we already have with a large
are to: the key activities that we will and build effective and us to manage risks to public and will align with the Scottish number of other organisations,
l to protect the public from undertake to March 2019 meaningful partnerships health effectively, and ensuring Government’s ambitions to such as our key delivery partners
risks to health which may to help us move towards this with others, where this will that these support our strategic focus more on engaging and in local authorities and seek to
arise in connection with the vision, and we will monitor help us deliver more priorities, and how we work empowering communities develop new partnerships where
consumption of food; our progress against it to for consumers in Scotland. with others on science and and people. these will bring greater benefits
determine how we are evidence. We will develop a for consumers.
l to improve the extent to which achieving for consumers Outlined below are key system of governance to enable
members of the public have in Scotland. enablers that will be transparency in how we deal
diets which are conducive to needed to support with uncertainty in the evidence,
good health; and us in how we deliver and how we weigh evidence and
our Corporate Plan. balance risks and benefits to both
l to protect the other interests of
consumers in relation to food. consumers and stakeholders in
how we make decisions.
How we Regulate – we will People and Skills – the
undertake a fundamental review most valuable asset of our
of how we fulfill our role as a organisation is our people, so
regulator. This will allow us to investing in their development
take a strategic view on how is essential to maximise our
our regulatory role can deliver collective effectiveness. We need
the best outcomes for consumers to have the right people with the
whilst supporting responsible right skills in the right place to
businesses. deliver the outcomes we seek
for the people of Scotland.Food Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 28/29
April 2016 to March 2019
Outcome Food
1 is
safe
? !
What this means Why this matters
l Food placed on the As our statutory purpose makes foodborne IID, and we will take
market is compliant with clear, food safety and public a targeted approach to prevent
food safety legislation. health protection is central to the transmission of pathogens
what FSS does. In Scotland, through the food chain to reduce
l Wherever appropriate, it is estimated that there are the impact of foodborne illness,
food is supplied with accurate approximately 43,000 cases of and thus help people in Scotland
instructions to ensure safe foodborne infectious intestinal lead healthier lives.
storage and handling. disease (IID) annually, leading to
5,800 GP visits and 500 hospital The Scottish food chain can
l Consumers understand the admissions . There are a number
1
also be affected by chemical
risks and how to protect of foodborne pathogens that can contaminants deriving from
themselves and those for cause human illness, and we will environmental pollution,
whom they prepare food work collaboratively with others, processing by-products or
from foodborne illness. including through the Scottish adulteration. We will work
Health Protection Network (HPN) in collaboration with others,
and with the FSA, to reduce the including the FSA and across
risks to consumers in Scotland. the Scottish Government and its
agencies (e.g. SEPA) to monitor
Reducing foodborne illness from contaminants in foods produced
Campylobacter is a priority and sold in Scotland. We will
for FSS. Current evidence also advise consumers on current
suggests that between 55‑75per and emerging contaminant risks
cent of all reported cases of and how to avoid them.
Campylobacter infection in
Scotland are associated with FSS delivers a programme
a chicken source , and that a
2
of official controls in meat
significant proportion of fresh premises that we are required
chicken on retail sale in the UK is to approve under food law,
contaminated with the pathogen .
3
and also in shellfish production
Whilst Campylobacter is a and harvesting areas across
primary focus, we will also Scotland. These programmes
work on the other causes of are required by law for publicFood Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 30/31
April 2016 to March 2019
What we’ll do
Develop a Foodborne Illness Strategy for Scotland, focussing on the key pathways for the transmission of
microbiological, chemical and radiological contaminants throughout the Scottish food chain:
Generating programmes to reduce the risks of Campylobacter in Scottish-produced chicken, and monitoring
the impact on the profile of Campylobacter infection in Scotland, supporting the FSA Campylobacter
reduction programme.
150-200 Understanding the role of the food chain in Shigatoxin producing E. coli (STEC) infection in Scotland and
taking action to control STEC risks in food, leading on the delivery of relevant recommendations in the
Scottish Government’s Action Plan for reducing foodborne transmission of this pathogen.
incidents Influencing research and surveillance programmes to improve understanding of the key sources and
each year in Scotland that transmission routes for microbiological, chemical and radiological contaminants in the food chain to ensure
could affect the food and risk assessment is underpinned by robust evidence and informs the development of targeted intervention
feed chain. strategies which improve public health outcomes in Scotland.
Supporting Scottish businesses in reducing the risks of contamination throughout the food chain, through
health protection and are prevention. Food and feed the development of practical guidance and food safety management tools.
and we will monitor and review
resource intensive, accounting local authority performance incidents have the capacity to Working with others, including through the Scottish HPN, to find collaborative solutions for addressing
for a significant proportion of through audits which improve affect consumers directly through the key sources and transmission pathways which expose the population to contaminant risks.
FSS’s annual expenditure. They public health by ensuring that microbiological, chemical or
reflect the prescriptive nature of delivery of official controls is physical contamination of the Empower consumers with the information and knowledge they need to make safe food choices, and undertake
legislative requirements which targeted, consistent, effective, food chain, so ensuring that we safer food practices, helping them to protect themselves against foodborne illness:
apply to these sectors to ensure and sustainable for the future. have an effective capacity in Use segmentation to identify and gain understanding of key target audiences’ and vulnerable groups’
that public health is protected, responding to incidents that do practices in relation to food safety, in order to more effectively target messaging and encourage action
not just in Scotland but through We will also help ensure that occur, and testing this through where it is needed.
exports to other parts of the consumers have the information regular exercises will be an
they need to feel confident in Build on existing messaging and consumer engagement through a range of channels to ensure that
UK, the European Union and essential part of our role in
consumers have access to clear advice on safe storage, handling and preparation of food.
beyond. We will review the storing, handling and cooking protecting public health.
delivery of these official control food safely and understand
programmes, ensuring that what they should do to protect Through engagement and consultation, construct, implement and then review performance of an improved
themselves and others for whom model for delivery of animal feed official controls in Scotland, including through third party assurance, that is
protecting public health remains
effective in protecting feed and food safety.
our key objective. they prepare food.
Work described in relation Responding effectively to food Carry out a comprehensive policy and delivery review of the FSS shellfish official controls, including small scale
to Outcome 4 sets out that in and feed incidents is an essential and local supply chains, working in partnership:
our capacity as a national part of our business, as this helps Ensure proportionate and targeted interventions to protect public health and maintain consumer confidence
regulator, we will develop to retain public confidence in thereby promoting sustainable growth.
our future regulatory strategy the food supply and is key to Review and modify as required, such that resources match policy and delivery priorities.
to ensure that our approach public health protection. We deal
protects consumers, recognises with around 150-200 incidents
Ensure delivery of effective programmes to verify that food businesses are meeting their responsibilities to
compliant food businesses and each year in Scotland that could 1. http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/ deliver safe food. Monitor the performance of enforcement authorities by delivering an effective audit and
deals effectively with those affect the food and feed chain. food-safety-standards/foodborne-illness assurance programme to assess their delivery of official controls.
businesses that do not take their Preventing incidents will always
2. http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/
responsibilities as seriously as be preferable to responding to
food-safety-standards/foodborne-illness/ Ensure that FSS is equipped to manage and respond effectively to food incidents that could affect food safety,
they should. We will continue them once they have occurred,
campylobacter through regularly exercising with partners and reviewing incident response capacity and effectiveness.
working collaboratively with local so through horizon scanning
authorities who deliver official and collaborative working with 3. http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/ Seek to mitigate the effects of food and feed incidents through dissemination of ‘lessons learned’ and
controls at many thousands of a wide range of partners, we news/campylobacter-results-2014-2015 discussion with industry and enforcing authorities.
food businesses across Scotland, must ensure a focus on incidentFood Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 32/33
April 2016 to March 2019
Outcome
2
? !
What this means Why this matters
Food is of the nature, substance Food offered for sale should
and quality as described by be of the nature, substance
the supplier. and quality expected by the
purchaser. Trust is a key part
Consumers have confidence of our vision for the future,
that food information is accurate so consumers need to have
and clear: confidence that the food they
buy and eat is what they expect
l Nature it to be. In the broadest sense,
The foodstuff is from the the term ‘food standards’
specified plant, animal includes food labelling, food
and geographical location composition, food authenticity
described on the label. and the nutritional quality of
l Substance food. FSS has a role in ensuring
The composite ingredients of the that consumers have advice and
product are as described and guidance to inform food choices,
at the appropriate quantities such that they can trust the
according to legal standards. authenticity of the food they buy.
l Quality The horsemeat incident of
The food meets the 2013 showed clearly how
Food is
requirements of any quality consumer confidence and trust
marketing standard which were undermined when the
has been applied or that the public was misled about the
product’s specific qualities nature of their food. The Scottish
Government responded robustly
authentic
have not deteriorated.
to that incident, and the report
from the Scudamore Expert
Advisory Group highlighted
4
the importance of providing
clearer information to consumers
about the composition of theirFood Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 34/35
April 2016 to March 2019
What we’ll do
Fully implement the recommendations of the Scudamore Expert Advisory Group, including,
ensuring Scotland has capability and resilience to tackle food crime by:
Establishing an effective Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) through a phased approach,
and undertake activity to raise awareness and confidence.
Working with the FSA, contributing to the development of a UK-wide Food Crime Strategic Assessment,
which SFCIU will use to establish priorities on which to focus with partners to mitigate risks and threats
faced by consumers in Scotland in relation to food crime.
Developing partnership working arrangements with key stakeholders and effective information sharing
frameworks that enable appropriate responses to food crime in terms of prevention, investigation, disruption
and enforcement.
Providing improved methods by which consumers or those working within the food and drink sector can
report or provide information in relation to food fraud.
Improving the quality and volume of actionable intelligence gathered by the SFCIU and its partners in
food and where it comes from. highly relevant here – ensuring relation to food crime.
In responding to that report, the that our regulatory approach
Developing mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of preventative measures.
Scottish Government and the FSA protects consumers’ interests in
acknowledged that the incident food authenticity, recognises
highlighted a number of issues to food businesses who do the Developing a robust evidence base on the authenticity of the Scottish food chain by:
be addressed to restore consumer right things for consumers, and Designing a new food surveillance strategy for Scotland which includes a horizon scanning capability, and
confidence. These ranged from deals effectively with those employs data collected by FSS, local authorities, industry and others to identify emerging risks and assess
the need to develop a better businesses that do not take their the safety and authenticity of foods produced and sold in Scotland.
understanding of the supply responsibilities as seriously as Developing information management systems capable of turning information into actionable intelligence.
chain, improved surveillance, the they should.
capacity to investigate and deal Working with others to ensure there is adequate laboratory provision in Scotland for food authenticity testing.
with food fraud and improved As with food safety, consumers Working with partners across Scotland, influencing research and development aimed at improving
communications and consumer clearly have a key role in making methods for identifying food authenticity and developing associated guidance for local authorities
engagement. food choices, so we will carry and food businesses.
out activities to help consumers Working with Scottish Government and other public bodies to improve access to shared data, by linking
In creating FSS, the Scottish understand what food labels with the Scottish Government’s digital strategy and open database management programme.
Parliament was clear that in mean, and what they should
light of the horsemeat incident, expect food businesses to tell
Develop proposals and design an implementation strategy to align the priority of food information official
it wanted to align more closely them about the food they buy. controls more closely with food safety equivalents.
food information powers and As consumers are an important
sanctions with existing food resource in detecting food fraud,
Provide clarity for consumers by working with Scottish Government and others to review current arrangements
safety equivalents, and delivering we must establish capacity for
for food labelling and to ensure that consumers’ interests in food information are protected.
this is a strategic priority for two-way dialogue, including
us. So whilst recognising that through digital channels, to allow
food safety is a strategic priority consumers to alert us to concerns Through a mix of engagement, communication and marketing activities, help and encourage consumers to
understand and use food information, especially labels, to empower them in making confident, informed
in public health protection, around food authenticity.
decisions about food purchase, storage and handling:
we will also prioritise work to
protect consumers’ interests that Encourage consumers to make more informed food choices through how they use information
food is what it says it is, and on food labels.
to ensure that consumers can Raise awareness with consumers to alert FSS, local authorities and others to suspicions or concerns around
have confidence in making food food authenticity e.g. counterfeit products.
choices. Our future regulatory 4. http://www.gov.scot/Resource/ Provide clear and timely information to consumers in the event of a food fraud incident.
strategy (see Outcome 4) is also 0042/00426914.pdfFood Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 36/37
April 2016 to March 2019
? !
Outcome What this means
Dietary choices of the Scottish
Why this matters
By widening the remit of FSS and population-wide advice on diet of the highest prevalence rates
3
population change towards providing a specific statutory and healthy eating, FSS has an of overweight and obesity in
meeting the recommended dietary objective in relation to diet, the important role in contributing to Europe . Almost two thirds of
5
balance and the Scottish Dietary Scottish Parliament has set out its this national outcome. We know adults in Scotland are either
Goals (SDGs). ambitions for change, and we however, that poor diets are one overweight or obese, and
will work closely with others to of the most significant causes progress in meeting the Scottish
help drive this change. of ill health in Scotland and are Dietary Goals (SDGs) is poor .
6
a major factor in overweight
The Scottish Government is and obesity. Making an impact We know that diet varies with
also committed to ensuring that on the dietary contribution to deprivation. Poor diets exist
people in Scotland live longer, overweight and obesity is a across the whole population, but
healthier lives. Good nutrition priority for FSS. Scotland is the most deprived tend to have
is an important element of positioned near the top of the the poorest diets, containing
this, and by taking a holistic league tables for obesity among more sugar and less fruit,
approach to diet and providing OECD countries, and has one vegetables and fibre. Health
Consumers have
healthier dietsFood Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 38/39
April 2016 to March 2019
What we’ll do
Establish and maintain FSS as an authoritative and up to date, primary source of evidence-based diet and
nutrition advice about diets conducive to good health, to support the Scottish Dietary Goals.
Monitor and report progress towards meeting the Scottish Dietary Goals (SDG), including the use of new tools
for dietary surveillance.
Through partnership working, develop and implement plans to provide strategic co-ordination of Scottish
Government-funded diet and nutrition research and surveillance, to help ensure the effective use and
application of resources in Scotland.
outcomes related to poor diet This is a long-standing and enable people to make choices
are well known – poor diets complex problem, and one that to help them live longer, Provide advice to Scottish Government and public bodies to support their review of relevant policies to take
contribute to overweight and will take time, commitment and healthier lives. account of revised SDGs.
obesity, which in turn contribute effort across a wide spectrum
to higher risk of heart disease, to find and deliver solutions. By Whilst the dietary contribution
to reducing overweight and Implement measures agreed by the FSS Board in January 20167 to bring about changes to the food
stroke, Type 2 diabetes and widening the remit of FSS and environment8 and support consumer behaviour changes that will be required to make positive progress
some cancers. The cost of obesity giving us a specific statutory obesity is a priority, our holistic
towards the SDGs.
to Scottish society may be as objective in relation to diet, approach must also maintain
high as £4.5 billion per year, if the Scottish Parliament has set focus on other aspects of dietary This will include engaging across a wide spectrum of interests to help build consensus and support to address
health. This includes focussing the current situation in Scotland, and working with partners, including the food and drink industry to:
wider economic costs are taken out its ambitions for change.
into account. So improving Improving the health of the on the continued need to reduce Develop specific measures to minimise consumption of ‘discretionary’ foods and drinks9 (including sugar
the Scottish diet could have a Scottish population by reducing population-level salt intake to sweetened beverages), through adjustments to the marketing, promotion and formulation of these products
significant impact on improving the impact of preventable reduce risks of hypertension and in ways aimed at rebalancing the diet towards a lower sugar and less calorie dense diet;
the lives of individuals, families diet‑related diseases will stroke, and pressing for action Review the extent to which dietary improvement can be achieved through voluntary mechanisms and, if
and communities, and on require consumers to change – preferably across the UK – on necessary, develop recommendations for fiscal or regulatory measures where effective industry-led solutions
reducing the burden of disease what they do, but this alone folic acid fortification of bread cannot be established;
on society in Scotland. will not deliver the improvement and flour, to reduce the number
With local authorities and businesses, explore options aimed at improving the food and drink environment.
that is needed. We know that of pregnancies affected by neural
Recognising that greater action many people find it difficult to tube defects and improve health
is needed – by industry and outcomes, particularly in more Lead the development of a set of dietary guidelines for Scotland aimed at providing a common script for
make the long-term changes consistent dietary messaging and at widening the scope of consumer advice from the current focus on
government, as well as by that will reduce the likelihood deprived socio-economic groups.
nutrients to include a more holistic approach to food consumption, food environment and potentially wider
communities and individuals of health risks associated with environmental considerations.
– FSS has published a wide poor diet. And whilst there is 5. http://www.oecd.org/els/health- Work with partners to address the issues of affordability and acceptability of a healthy diet.
ranging package of measures much that individuals can do for systems/Obesity-Update-2014.pdf
for improving the diet in themselves, rebalancing the diet
Scotland which includes must be a shared responsibility 6. http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/ Identify the most effective means of influencing public opinion in favour of action on diet.
exploring regulated, legislative – shared between individuals, monitoring-progress-towards-scottish- Motivate and support consumers in choosing healthier diets through social marketing campaigns aimed at
or fiscal measures that may be communities, the food and drink dietary-goals-2001-2012-report-2 dietary health improvement, and use communications activity to position FSS at the heart of diet and nutrition
appropriate, particularly where industry and both local and in Scotland.
previous or existing voluntary central government. Behaviour
arrangements have been change alone will not deliver Work with other government departments, stakeholders and consumers to advise Scottish Ministers on the
unsuccessful. We will build the scale of change we seek, issues associated with the implementation of mandatory fortification of bread and flour folic acid, including
on our existing partnerships and that there are things that potential health benefits and regulatory impacts, to improve health outcomes for mothers and new-borns.
with local authorities, which the food and drink industry can
as well as working with food and should do to help people 7. http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/sites/default/files/Board%20meeting%20-%202016%20January%2020%20-%20Diet%
businesses in their areas, can eat healthier diets, so we will 20and%20Nutrition%20Proposals%20for%20setting%20the%20direction%20for%20the%20Scottish%20Diet%20160104.pdf
play a key role in influencing work across this spectrum to 8. Including physical, socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects of environment that influence patterns of food consumption.
the food environment. encourage, influence and 9. Discretionary foods and drinks are high in calories, low in nutritional value, aren’t required for health and include
confectionery, cakes, biscuits, pastries, savoury snacks and sugary drinks.Food Standards Scotland 3 Year Corporate Plan 40/41
April 2016 to March 2019
Outcome
4
? !
What this means Why this matters
Food businesses that operate FSS’s primary concern is And an Export Strategy Plan
responsibly and do things that consumer protection – that food was launched in 2014 that
benefit consumers’ interests benefit is safe to eat, ensuring consumers involves a £4.5 million
from risk-based and proportionate know what they are eating and investment over five years.
regulation that enables them improving nutrition. A thriving,
Responsible
to flourish, whilst effective and compliant food and drink industry The food and drink sector in
dissuasive action is taken with is good for consumers as well as Scotland is clearly thriving
those businesses who do not being good for business. economically and Scottish
produce has a strong reputation
food
step up to their responsibilities
to consumers. The Scottish Government’s both at home and abroad. Whilst
first food and drink policy – A the overwhelming majority of
Recipe for Success – was indeed produce is compliant, FSS’s key
businesses
successful, measured in economic priority is protecting consumers’
terms. Between 2008 and interests, and in our regulatory
2012, Scotland’s food and drink capacity, FSS has a key role to
flourish
manufacturing turnover growth play in ensuring that Scotland’s
increased by 20.8per cent. strong international reputation
Scottish food exports in 2014 continues to be well founded, and
were worth £1.1 billion – up that consumers, no matter where
57per cent from 2007. And across they live, can buy, eat and drink
the food business spectrum there Scottish products in the confidence
was an increase of approximately that they are safe and authentic.
25per cent in food businesses A key priority for FSS is
between 2008 and 2014. developing a future regulatory
Ambitions remain high – there is strategy that is clear about how
a priority to increase Scotland’s we deliver our regulatory functions
food and drink sector turnover to and how we gain assurance
£16.5 billion by 2017, with the about the performance of food
strategy for growth being focussed businesses, how businesses are
on market opportunities around acting to protect consumers and
premium, provenance, health what those businesses should
and environmental sustainability. expect from us. Our regulatoryYou can also read
