The evaluation of the efficiency of the food control systems in uk Essay

The evaluation of the efficiency of the food control systems in uk - Essay Example Changes in eating habits, centralized processing as well as large-scale production have all affected the food system in the country. The British system of food control focuses on food safety problems. The responsibility of taking care of the other aspects of food control is in the hands of the food industry (McEhatton and MArshall, 2007). In the UK, consumers are aware of the way food is processed and marketed and they play an important role in ensuring that food control systems are not violated. According to FAO, food control management can be described as the â€Å"continuous process of planning, organizing, coordinating and communicating a broad range of risk-based decisions and actions† which are designed to ensure that the quality and safety of imported and locally produced food for all consumers is upheld (Wallace, Sperber and Mortimore, 2010). Food control management is a practice that covers operational responsibilities and policy implementation of various government departments in relation to food control. The food management system in the UK is centralized. The government is responsible for ensuring that food safety regulations are followed throughout the country (McEhatton and MArshall, 2007). In practice this responsibility is shared by both the central and local government. The central authorities charged with the responsibility of ensuring food control rules are followed are the Food Standards Agency, Defra as well as the Agriculture Department. The main job of monitoring and inspection is carried out by the local authorities. Local Foods Authorities (LA) and the Port Local Authorities (PLAs) carry out food safety and standard checks on food products at points of entry. LAs are also responsible for checking foods on the inland (Staete, 2008). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an autonomous Department in the central government that is responsible for providing