Last week, my colleague stood in for me at the conference on food law and drink held by the British International Institute of Comparative Law. This was an unusual audience for our messages on how science and analysis are fundamental to the FSA, but I understand that his presentation and the broader keynote address from our Chair, Dame Deirdre Hutton, were well received. Many of the audience were QCs with considerable experience of the labyrinthine qualities of EU food law and the processes of prosecution and defence under this legislation.
Lawyers with experience of the food industry in the USA gave engaging presentations on their experiences of good risk management. They gave important messages about the need to be prepared to manage risk events by having systems, processes and relationships in place that enable you to deal quickly, openly and effectively with any food safety issues. Part of this preparation was getting the earliest possible advice from the regulator.
It was clear, from some comments David and Deirdre received, that our commitment to openness is sometimes a barrier for organisations. There may be a perception that as soon as we're told about something we put in on the website and I'm on the media warning consumers. That's not the case. We recognise that, unless there is a clear and immediate risk to consumers, analysing the information we receive and determining the next steps both need to happen before we make a public statement. But the commitment to openness is deeply held. And all our experience tells us that if there is a problem then the best solution is to give clear information to consumers as soon as you are able to.