§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultations have been issued by the Food Standards Agency in each year since its inception. [127340]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonSince its inception the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has operated under the three guiding principles of putting the consumer first, being open and accessible and being an independent voice. To do this effectively the FSA consults widely before making recommendations, unless urgent action is required, and engages with a plethora of stakeholders as part of its general policy-making process. It uses a wide range of consultative methods such as open/public meetings, specific stakeholder meetings, focus groups, standing consultative groups and questionnaire-based surveys. For formal written consultations, the FSA has published 331 on its website since its establishment in April 2000: 46 between April to December 2000, 80 in 2001, 128 in 2002 and 77 between January to July 2003.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how often he plans to meet officials from the Food Standards Agency. [127343]
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§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI meet the Chair of the Food Standards Agency every four to six weeks and meet its officials on a regular basis for briefings.