Food industry warning following hygiene scandal

Expert urges food providers to ensure legal compliance

An expert in food safety regulation is warning food providers of the need to ensure compliance with the law following a high-profile case.

Background: 2 Sisters food group investigation

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now reported on the recent scandal involving the 2 Sisters Food Group.

The business was:

• Investigated by undercover reporters, raising questions about the company’s food standards.

• Forced to suspend production
• Blacklisted temporarily by major supermakret chains, who halted purchases

Legal insight from food regulation specialist

Terry Griffin, a regulatory partner in the Litigation department at regional law firm Napthens, advises a number of food producers in Lancashire and Cumbria. He is warning the food sector to be aware of the high-profile case and lessons to be learnt from it.

He said: “There is a heightened awareness at the moment about the FSA, with recent focuses on best before dates and traceability – issues that can confuse consumers.

“The FSA is also entitled to carry out on-the-spot checks on food producers, which has left many nervous of potential outcomes for the business.

Practical lessons for the industry

“There is plenty to learn from the report – as a result, 2 Sisters has made a number of changes to working practices including installing upgraded CCTV and improving staff training which goes some way to showing what other businesses can do.

Consequences of non-compliance

“Breaking the law can result in significant repercussions. Reputational problems can have a potentially devastating effect on a business, in this case with major supermarkets halting their orders.

“New sentencing guidelines introduced in 2016 look at the level of fault by a business, if there was willful disregard of regulations or instances of falling below reasonable industry standards. Businesses can face large fines which vary depending on turnover and the seriousness of the risk to consumers.

“There can also be personal consequences, to individuals or those trading in partnerships facing possible imprisonment in certain circumstances

A reminder for responsible food producers

“Most producers are conscientious and responsible businesses, and this recent scandal merely highlights how important it is to ensure practices and procedures are all up-to-date and follow the necessary regulations.”

Need further advice?

For further guidance on this issue please contact Terry Griffin.