Blog archive

After the WHO report, what really is the risk in aspartame? And what lessons can be learned for other food products?

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a Joint Update summary, alongside two reports on its work into Unit Pricing and Groceries. The update on Groceries identifies 10 indicative product categories that will undergo further scrutiny, including bread, milk and poultry. Compliance concerns were identified on unit pricing.

CPTPP signed. Inflation and food. Competition and Markets Authority publishes joint summary on Groceries and Unit Pricing. There are 10 indicative product categories to be scrutinised further - is your product in one of them? Aspartame and the WHO report - what does it really mean? ASA adjudications on promotions - what is equivalent? and harmful gender stereotypes - where do you draw the line? Warranty and Indemnity Insurance won't protect from a 'bad bargain' - the latest case. Recalls on caffeine and product packaging and Defra updates - Reform of Fisheries Management Plans

Competition and Markets Authority fine Asda for not responding on fuel probe and line up ideas to ensure a more easily comparable market place in fuel for consumers. The results of the probe on the grocery sector will be expected next. EU Green deal published with targets on food waste and new genetic technologies for plants and soil health. Defra and UK stalls on food waste targets. GCA conference goes hybrid. Egg producers against trans pacific partnership deal. Sustain highlights farming pollution of rivers. ASA highlights 'leading' and the substantiation required in ads for making this claim. Finally, deadly diet pills result in a prison sentence.

REUL has royal assent. Alcohol duty set to rise this summer amid radical reform to rates. Food insecurity report published by FSA. Water scarcity is now a top environmental concern for consumers. Revised guidance on environmental claims by ASA, recent ASA ruling on health claims and trade mark appeal case sets out high threshold re likelihood of confusion. Finally, summary of FSA board discussion points.

Activists get permission for judicial review on the government's carbon policy re meat and dairy. BOGOF postponed until 2025. EU Competition guidance on collaboration and sustainability published. ASA ruling on lack of substantiation. New streamlined system for regulated food and feed announced and Grocery Code Adjudicator GCA survey results show 91% of suppliers who responded were asked for CPIs

Windsor Framework Defra Guidance published ahead of a phased roll out for additional food labelling requirements 'Not for EU' in force from 1 October.

Defra publishes guidance for the Windsor Framework. 'Not for EU' labelling to be phased in from October 2023. BOGOF deals may get a reprieve, no final decision says Rishi Sunak. Efra inquiry on free trade agreements. FSA notice on bamboo in plastic containers and utensils. ASA looks at 'materiality' in environmental claims and omitting information. Finally, health and safety with legionellas, machinery and hot weather.

The FSA has commissioned a report by accountants Deloitte, on the structure of approving novel foods in the UK that has put forward a “radical reimagining of the Novel Foods Regulatory Framework”.

The FSA published revised Food Law Code of Practice (the Code) for England and Northern Ireland (the Code), introducing a new model for delivering risk based food standards controls.

Working in hot weather or hot conditions. Health and safety considerations.

The review on the Novel Foods system of approval has been published and 'collaborative regulation' is suggested. The FSA has similarly pushed a more risk based approach both in relation to inspections and prioritisation of work alongside a collaborative initiative. Which? complaint to the CMA on Tesco clubcard is reported re unit pricing and the ASA looks at omissions of material information by Shell in carbon ads key issues include cumulative claims, aspirational projections and sustainability reports. Also promotions must do all they can reasonably do to avoid disappointing. Finally undercover activist filming results in a prosecution and fine and health and safety fine for a landowner re cattle separation from pedestrians.