About Us
The Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency was launched in 2000 as a non-ministerial UK government department operating at arm’s length from Ministers and governed by a Board appointed to act in the public interest. It has a headquarters in London and offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Everything we do is aligned to our core values of putting the consumer first, being open and accessible, being an independent voice and working at all times towards our vision of Safe Food and Healthy Eating for All.
Our sphere of influence ranges across the entire food chain and crucially involves working in close collaboration with the Scottish Government, consumer organisations, local authorities and the food industry.
The Food Standards Agency piloted and launched the Eat Safe Award in June 2003 in Northern Ireland, with Scotland being included from January 2005.
The Eat Safe Award in Scotland
View our leaflets here.
The Eat Safe Award extended to Scotland in January 2005 and is administered by Local Authority Environmental Health Services in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.
The main aim of the scheme is to provide an incentive to food businesses to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. It will also help consumers make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable 'sign' of excellence in standards of food hygiene.
Eligible establishments are assessed for the award as part of scheduled food hygiene inspections, carried out by Local Authority Environmental Health Services, who also issue and control the Eat Safe Award certificates.
Initially the Award was limited to catering operations to which the public had access. The scope of the Award has, however been changed so that in Scotland it is now available to all establishments selling food directly to consumers.
The Eat Safe Award Scheme organisers would like to acknowledge the ongoing assistance and input of the Implementation Group members. The members include representatives from the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee, Trade and Industry representatives, Consumer Focus Scotland and the Scottish Food Advisory Committee.
Key People in Scotland
PROFESSOR CHARLES MILNE
Professor Charles Milne was appointed as the Director of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland on 1st June 2009 with responsibility for food safety and promoting a healthy, balanced diet.
Previously, Charles had worked for 22 years in the field of animal health and welfare culminating in 6 years as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Scotland.
As CVO Charles was responsible for managing the consequences of outbreaks of exotic animal disease, including Foot and Mouth disease, Avian Influenza and Bluetongue.
PETER MIDGLEY
Peter Midgley is the Head of the Food and Feed Operations and Enforcement Liaison Branch. He and his branch work closely with Scottish Local Authorities and provide advice and training on enforcement issues including food/feed safety, labelling and compositional standards, import controls, co-ordination of serious and/or widespread food and feed incidents and other food emergency activities.
In partnership with the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee, CookSafe and RetailSafe (Food Safety Management guidance materials) were developed within Peter’s Branch, and now form part of the Agency’s suite of guidance for business. The Eat Safe Award and Food Hygiene Information Scheme also fall within the remit of Peter’s branch.
Before joining the Agency in September 2003, Peter had over 20 year’s Local Authority experience, latterly as a Principal Environmental Health Officer.
