Agriculture - Fourth Report

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Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 22 April 1998.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Terms of Reference

I. INTRODUCTION

II. THE FOOD SAFETY PROBLEM

Introduction

The incidence of food poisoning

Microbiological hazards

Reservoirs of infection
Disease in animals and humans
Effects of temperature, humidity, moisture
Scientific knowledge


Emergent threats

Antibiotic resistance
Viruses
Contamination of fruit and vegetables

Imported food

Economy products

Non-microbiological food safety risks and potential risks

Pesticides
Genetically-modified organisms


The food chain

HACCP
Agricultural and farming practice
Slaughter and primary processing
Processing, distribution, retail and catering
The consumer
Traceability and labelling

III. THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

The origins of the FSA: the James Report

The Government White Paper:"The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change"

Food safety
Nutrition and food standards
Structure
Financing

International comparisons

The White Paper's proposals: other issues

Risk assessment
Priorities
Targets
Political accountability
Enforcement and inspection powers
The dangers of over-regulation
Leadership
Crisis management
Openness
Consumer representation and input
Conclusion

IV. SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ANNEX:

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE RELATING TO THE REPORT

LIST OF WITNESSES

LIST OF MEMORANDA INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE

LIST OF APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE

UNPRINTED MEMORANDA

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Prepared 29 April 1998