The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an independent, government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food.

How we work

The FSA provides advice and information to the public and the Government on food safety (from farm to fork), nutrition and diet. It also protects consumers through effective food law enforcement and monitoring.

How is the FSA independent?

Although the FSA is a Government Department, it works at ‘arm’s length’ from government because it does not report to a specific minister and is free to publish any advice it chooses.

Who is the FSA accountable to?

We’re accountable to Parliament through health ministers, and to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for activities within their areas.

How is the FSA structured?

The Agency is led by a board that has been appointed to act in the public interest and not to represent particular sectors. The Meat Hygiene Service is an executive agency of the FSA.

How does the FSA make its decisions?

We base our decisions and advice on the best evidence available, and we aim to ensure that our decision-making process is as open and transparent as possible. Whenever possible, we seek the views of interested parties before reaching conclusions. The Agency also obtains independent, expert advice from its scientific, advisory committees and commissions research to support its functions.

Strategic aims

The key aims of our strategic plan for 2005–10 are:

• to continue to reduce food-borne illness
• to further reduce the risks to consumers from chemical contamination including radiological contamination of food
• to make it easier for all consumers to choose a healthy diet, and thereby   improve quality of life by reducing diet-related disease
• to enable consumers to make informed choices

Equal opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to recruit a more diverse workforce, which reflects the people we serve. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for people with disabilities who meet the minimum, published criteria.

Fast facts

Company description
Provides advice of food safety, food law enforcement, food labelling, nutrition and diet.

Number of employees
800 staff, of which 600 are based in London

Jobs available
We offer a range of opportunities, although we’re always looking for people who have experience/skills related to the food sciences/industry.

Work locations
England (London), Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland (Aberdeen), and Wales (Cardiff).

Degree disciplines required
For posts in the scientific field, we are specifically looking for degrees in the areas of nutrition, chemistry, biology, microbiology and toxicology. No foreign language skills are required, but in some situations knowledge of French is useful.