Fylde food producers warned after high profile standards case

The Food Standards Agency has now reported on the recent scandal involving the 2 Sisters Food Group, which saw the business investigated by undercover reporters raising questions about the company’s food standards.

Terry Griffin, regulatory partner in the Litigation department at law firm Napthens, advises a number of food producers in Lancashire.

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.

"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.

"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 wilful disregard of regulations.

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

“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.”