House of Commons

Session 1997-98 Publications on the internet Agriculture Committee Reports

Agriculture - Fourth Report Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 22 April 1998.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Terms of Reference I. INTRODUCTION II. THE FOOD SAFETY PROBLEM Introduction The incidence of food poisoning Microbiological hazards Reservoirs of infection Disease in animals and humans Effects of temperature, humidity, moisture Scientific knowledge Emergent threats Antibiotic resistance Viruses Contamination of fruit and vegetables Imported food Economy products Non-microbiological food safety risks and potential risks Pesticides Genetically-modified organisms The food chain HACCP Agricultural and farming practice Slaughter and primary processing Processing, distribution, retail and catering The consumer Traceability and labelling III. THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY The origins of the FSA: the James Report The Government White Paper:"The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change" Food safety Nutrition and food standards Structure Financing International comparisons The White Paper's proposals: other issues Risk assessment Priorities Targets Political accountability Enforcement and inspection powers The dangers of over-regulation Leadership Crisis management Openness Consumer representation and input Conclusion IV. SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ANNEX: PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE RELATING TO THE REPORT LIST OF WITNESSES LIST OF MEMORANDA INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE LIST OF APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE UNPRINTED MEMORANDA

© Parliamentary copyright 1998	Prepared 29 April 1998