elizabeth mcnulty head of incidents branch food standards agency
TRANSCRIPT
Elizabeth McNultyHead of Incidents BranchFood Standards Agency
How the RASFF System is Implemented in the UK
Explanation of Internal Procedures
The role of the FSA:
To ensure that consumers’ interests with regard to food safety and standards are
protected.
First contact point for reported incidents 24/7 response capability Team leader: Designated UK national RASFF contact point Team Members: Authorised RASFF contact points Authorisation of RASFF notification submitted through TRACES relating to POAO
To investigate all reported incidents and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Maintains official audit trail using dedicated Incidents Database.
Custodians of incident procedures -Incident Response Protocol, Incident Reviews
Training & Exercises
All RASFF information comes directly to the NCP/CPs in the Incident Response Branch
The exception; Border Rejection Notifications -sent directly to authorised BIP contacts.
All information flow is controlled by the NCP/CPS
Divided into Counties
Further divided into Local Authorities.
465 Local Authorities in UK
Responsible for enforcing food law.
NCP/CPs contact enforcement authority responsible for FBO named in RASFF
NCP/CPs forwards all the relevant information from the RASFF notification
NPC/CPc requests specific information/actions from the enforcement authorities
Enforcement officers pass requested information back to NCP/CPs
NCP/CPs complete RASFF template
Draft passed to Policy lead for check
Draft cleared by NCP/CPs and sent to EC
BIPs routinely sample incoming food/feed consignments originating from outside EU to ensure compliance with legislation
Adverse results are notified to Incidents Branch via draft RASFF notification
Draft passed to Policy Lead
Draft cleared by NCP/CPs and sent to EC
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/may/report