food safety refers to the management systems that establishments must have in place if they sell food. It ensures that the food in any establishment – from restaurants and supermarkets to delis, food trucks, and cafés – is safe to eat and as advertised. There are various pieces of legislation in place for food safety, but the Food Safety Act 1990 is the main framework for all food safety laws.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Food Standards Agency is the governing body that works with local authorities to ensure businesses meet these laws. In particular, they measure a business’s food safety system based on three key aspects: hygienic food handling, the physical condition of the business, and food management systems. These align with the requirements put in place by the Act.
