Our contents this week:
Retail, Food & Hospitality updates
Prime Minister scraps TWO Quangos’ and commits to 25% regulatory savings:The Government has announced plans to scrap NHS England and the Payment Regulator. The Prime Minister has committeed to achieving a 25% reduction in the administrative burdens for business pledging to take on a claimed ‘cottage industry of checkers and blockers slowing down delivery for working people’. HM Chancellor Rachel Reeves is quoted in the accompanying press release stating ‘The regulatory system has become burdensome to the point of choking off innovation, investment and growth’. The Prime Minister has committed to review and finesse the entire regulatory landscape as part of a wider Government effort to kickstart economic growth and make regulators work for the country, rather than block progress. The Government claims that scrapping NHS England will give more power and autonomy to local leaders and systems - instead of weighing them down in increasing mountains of red tape. View > View > View > British Chambers of Commerce > View >
Food Standards Agency Board to consider Local Authority cost recovery options for food standards and safety: At its meeting on 26th March the Food Standards Agency Board is to receive an update on the Agencies exploration of options for cost recovery by Local Authorities in respect of their food safety and standards activities. Potential charging models explored with public sector bodies and local authorities so far include fee for registration, fee for fault, fee for intervention and a potential licensing scheme. The Board report whilst acknowledging uncertainties, suggests that potentially some charging options might be implemented without the need for changes to legislation. View > View >
Advertising watchdog rules against price claims used in teleshopping promotion: The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint about teleshopping business Shop TCJ Trading as Ideal World in respect of price reduction claims made for Morphic watches. The company claimed ‘You can pay anywhere from to £1,800, £1,500, £1,200 This watch alone at £890 is a great buy. First of all they’re incredibly expensive, ok, you pay a lot of money for a Morphic …. It’s £39.99 on four flexes and delivery of £1.99. You’ve got this for £159.99'. The ASA found the business unable to substantiate the higher retail selling prices claimed.View >
Competition watchdog seeks to align mission with Government growth agenda: The Competition and Markets Authority Chief Executive Sarah Cardell has delivered a detailed speech at the TechUK annual conference setting out how the organisations newly developed four principles (pace, predictability, proportionality and process) are being shaped to reflect the Governments growth agenda including working with relevant regulators to ensure regulatory action is coherent, timely and supports growth and investment in the UK. View >
EU updates
EU Regulations:
- Authorising or reauthorising biocides: aluminium phosphide > dinotefuran > SatPax >
European Food Safety Authority opinions:
- On food additives: pea fibre concentrate > pullulan (E1204) >
- On pesticide: maltodextrin >
- On maximum residue limits in honey: metalaxyl-M >
Developments to watch
DEFRA: Publish update on ongoing Avian flu Outbreak. View >
DEFRA: Issue guidance stating no need to include a ‘Protected geographical designation’ statement on pack. View >
Sentencing Council: Publish robust response to Lord Chancellors request to think again on recent community and custodial sentencing guidelines. View >
For your information
Non-food product safety alerts: Office for Product Safety and Standards >EU Safety Gate >US Consumer Product Safety Commission >
Appointments:
