Consultation on developing a modernised food hygiene delivery model in NI

Have your say on the proposed developments for a modernised FHDM

In September 2022, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board endorsed the headline policy and principles to evaluate success for a modernised food hygiene delivery model (FHDM).

The FSA is now seeking stakeholders' views on the following proposed developments:

• a modernised food hygiene intervention rating scheme
• an updated risk-based approach to the timescales for initial official controls of new food establishments, and for undertaking due official controls
• increased flexibility as to the methods and techniques of official controls that can be used to risk rate an establishment, including the appropriate use of remote assessment
• extending the activities that officers, such as Regulatory Support Officers, who do not hold a 'suitable qualification' for food hygiene can, if competent, undertake

The FSA wishes to gain insight into how the proposed developments would affect key stakeholders and gather feedback, suggestions, and alternative approaches from interested parties before progressing further with this work.

This consultation will be of most interest to:

• competent authorities and district councils
• food businesses and industry trade bodies
• third-party assurance organisations for food safety
• awarding bodies for environmental health and trading standards professionals
• trade unions and expert groups

Find out about the proposed developments for the modernised FHDM and how to respond to the consultation.

Completed response forms should be sent to hygienemodelreview@food.gov.uk.

First published 4 April 2023