The UK is desperately in need of a food security policy to protect consumers and safeguard legitimate businesses, a leading food expert has said.
According to Chris Elliott, professor of food safety and microbiology at Queen's University Belfast and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security, a series of threats to food security are converging to create “absolute chaos”.
Professor Elliott – who authored the government-commissioned report into the 2013 horse meat scandal – told the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Conference on 19 June that there is an urgent need for the UK’s next government to appoint a dedicated food minister and to implement a robust food security policy.
He also slammed “scandalous” cuts to Trading Standards resources as a major threat to food safety.
“I think the cutbacks in the Trading Standards workforce are the first problem; those people are really at the coalface and understand the problems that are going on. That, and the disjointed nature of food monitoring surveillance governance in the UK, is scandalous to be honest,” Elliott said.
Regulatory divergence in the wake of Brexit, disruption to global supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the rise of online food retail have created a challenging environment for businesses and an increasingly risky state of play for consumers.
Chris Elliott (Photo: LinkedIn)
Among Elliott’s concerns are the withdrawal of legitimate importers from the UK market – as a result of the increased costs and paperwork brought about Brexit – which is creating new opportunities for unscrupulous businesses and rogue traders to bring non-compliant and potentially unsafe foods into the country.
“For the last 14 years, the Conservative government has basically said, it's a free market, don't worry about it, because the food industry will take care of everything. Don't worry if we import more, because imports are cheaper. So there has been no policy whatsoever. The UK currently imports nearly 50 per cent of all the food that we eat, so everything that happens in other parts of the world will impact us,” he said.
“I know a company based in Spain who have taken the decision not to import anything into the UK anymore because it’s not a big enough market for them to deal with the amount of paperwork. If the good guys stop wanting to import stuff, the bad guys will step in, because the UK will be a much easier touch than Europe.
“People are realising it's now much easier to get food that is not of the same quality and standards into the UK, because we don't have the same checks and measures, or the same network of exchange of information. There are lots of reports about dodgy meat turning up in Felixstowe, for example – and that's just one of the consequences of becoming very isolated.”
Elliott cited the disjointed approach to food regulation and monitoring as a key risk to consumers and legitimate businesses. He added that the government’s decision to scrap the LACoRS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) system in 2010, combined with sweeping cuts to Trading Standards services, has dramatically undermined the UK’s ability to ensure that food entering the country, being sold in shops and online, and reaching consumers’ tables, is accurately described and safe to eat.
“There are also massive challenges out there because of our changing climate. That's really driving some bad behaviours, even with good businesses. The overuse of pesticides and illegal pesticides, for example, is on the rise because producers are trying to deal with climate crisis situations and crop failures,” he added.
“Ten years on from the horse meat scandal, the large mainstream food manufacturers and retailers are much better in terms of the monitoring processes and defence mechanisms they have in place. But in our food system, there are the large players, and then there are the small players, and then there's online – which is the Wild West. We have found a huge amount of food fraud online. They can basically sell whatever they want. That's what we're up against.”
Commenting, Jessica Merryfield, head of policy and campaigns at CTSI, noted that the food supply chain and landscape has changed significantly, and regulators need the resources to do their job.
“This means having the legislative backing to allow officers to effectively deal with the challenges arising, but the rules are only as good as they are enforced; the decimation of qualified, skilled officers in this area needs to be reversed to allow this to happen,” Merryfield said.
“Without sufficient levels of officers working to ensure our food is produced and supplied to the highest levels of safety, effectively we are allowing decriminalisation by the back door. At CTSI, we are calling for the building back of Trading Standards services over the next four years, through funding of extra posts and apprenticeships. CTSI are also proud to announce that we are producing standalone module qualifications in feed and animal health, with a food one coming soon, to give local authorities and other stakeholders the opportunity to get staff trained quicker in these areas.”
Louise Hosking, executive director at the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH), added that the CIEH’s 2024 manifesto outlines the need for the UK government to strategically deliver the National Food Strategy, with a mandate to ensure all policies related to food work together to deliver health and environmental benefits.
“At each stage of the food supply system, from food handling, preparation and delivery, environmental health professionals work to ensure that the UK’s has a stable and safe supply of food,” Hosking said. “In the lead up to the next general election we urge the next UK government to create a fairer, more sustainable food system.”
Sugro UK member and Brand Factory Ltd board director Tony Cox has been awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise – International Trade 2024, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in global trade.
The prestigious award was presented during an on-site ceremony held recently at their Aylesbury location, honouring all 84 staff members who have contributed to the company's success. The presentation was made by Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and received by Tony Cox and Dilip Vithlani on behalf of the Brand Factory team.
Also in attendance were notable local and national figures, including Councillor Alan Sherell, Mayor of Aylesbury, Laura Kyrke-Smith, MP for Aylesbury, Councillor Mimi Harker, and Carl Wood, National Trade Director of NatWest Bank.
The King’s Award for Enterprise is a highly respected accolade, considered by a committee chaired by His Majesty, The King. The award recognises companies that demonstrate exceptional achievement in international trade, underpinned by a strong, value-led ethos and commitment to ensuring that all employees can contribute and succeed.
Companies that achieve the award must demonstrate sustained growth relative to their size and market sector. Brand Factory Ltd, a leading player in the FMCG market, was acknowledged for its role as a global market leader and trusted partner across numerous international markets. As a recipient of The King’s Award, Brand Factory Ltd now has the privilege of using The King’s emblem on its business documentation for the next five years, further enhancing its reputation within the industry.
Commenting on the award, Cox said, “We are extremely honoured with this fantastic achievement and incredibly thankful for recognising our excellence in International Trade. On receiving this prestigious award, we would like to extend our immense gratitude to all our invaluable customers, suppliers, and dedicated employees for their contribution.
"Together, we have reached the new heights! We look forward to continuing our partnership and reaching even greater milestones together in the future.”
Brand Factory Ltd, known for their tagline “All Brands in One Place”, started trading in Watford in 2018 before relocating to Aston Clinton, Aylesbury in 2019. Since then, they have grown to become a significant force in the global FMCG sector, continuing to lead the way in international trade.
The government has introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill the parliament, which includes a proposal for a licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco, vape, and nicotine products across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This development, welcomed by industry leaders, aims to curb illegal sales and prevent youth access to these products. If passed, the licensing scheme would be supported by on-the-spot fines of £200 for retailers found selling to minors, although some industry voices have called for even tougher penalties.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) welcomed the inclusion of the licensing proposal, saying the step is crucial to tackling illicit sales.
“We have been consistently calling on successive governments to introduce a robust and effective industry licensing scheme,” John Dunne, UKVIA’s director general, said, noting that a well-enforced licensing programme could generate over £50 million annually to support a Trading Standards enforcement initiative.
However, Dunne expressed concern that the £200 fine would not be a sufficient deterrent for rogue traders and argued for higher penalties, especially for distributors.
The bill arrives in the wake of other regulatory announcements, including a ban on single-use vapes set for June 2025, and a new £2.20 per 10ml duty on refillable vape liquid and prefilled pods from the Autumn Budget.
Additionally, the Bill proposes broad restrictions on vape advertising and sponsorship and includes powers to control flavors, display, and packaging of vaping products.
Marcus Saxton, chair of the Independent British Vape Trade Association and group chief executive at vape retailer Totally Wicked, commended the government’s intent to enforce stricter penalties for illegal sales but warned against “regulatory overkill.”
Saxton highlighted that overly restrictive measures could undermine vaping’s role as a quit aid for adult smokers, who rely on it as a harm reduction tool.
“Excessive restrictions on the types of products that our members can provide may reduce the products’ appeal. Even worse, they may contribute to continued misperceptions about the harm of vaping relative to tobacco smoking,” Saxton said.
“Specifically, the role of flavours in supporting adult smokers to a successful quit attempt is accepted and understood by most public health stakeholders, and we believe to have been fundamental to the success of vaping in reducing smoking rates.
“Therefore, any reference to potential powers to restrict flavours is very worrying, as it threatens the government’s own goal of the UK becoming smoke free by 2030.
Dunne also noted that the government needs to “take on board the critical role that flavours play” in the success of vaping as a harm reduction tool, calling for a on restricting inappropriate flavour names, not flavours.
“We will want to understand the detail of these powers as it is imperative that the new government establishes a balanced approach to vaping policy which safeguards against the very real challenges of youth vaping and illicit products, while preserving and promoting vaping as the most successful stop smoking tool available for adults,” he added.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) voiced strong support for the licensing proposal, which aligns with its call for better regulation of youth vaping. CTSI chief executive John Herriman termed the bill as a step toward reducing youth access to vape products but stressed the importance of adequately funding Trading Standards Services to enforce these new measures.
“We stand ready to support businesses to understand their obligations, and take action against anyone who ignores those obligations, as well as being prepared to take action against businesses that flaunt them,” Herriman said.
“We feel the need to stress once again that enforcement of all these measures will be enabled by proper resourcing of local trading standards services and we look forward to seeing the government’s proposals on this as the bill passes through the parliament.”
Arrival of customary "pre-festive" deals boosted food sales though overall sales suffered in October as cash-strapped shoppers stayed at home, holding off purchases amid uncertainty over the budget and fears over rising energy bills.
According to data from the British Retail Consortium and the consultancy KPMG published today (5), sales increased by 0.6 per cent compared with October 2023, less than half the three-month average growth rate of 1.3 per cent.
Food sales increased 2.9 per cent year on year over the three months to October, against a growth of 7.9 per cent in October 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 4.1 per cent. For the month of Oct, food was in growth year-on-year.
Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said that October’s "disappointing" sales growth was partly driven by half term falling a week later this yea.
"Uncertainty during the run-up to the Budget, coupled with rising energy bills, also spooked some consumers. Fashion sales took the biggest hit as the mild weather delayed winter purchases. Health and beauty sales remained buoyant, with beauty advent calendars flying off the shelves.
“After a painful Budget for retailers, the hope is it will be less painful for households in the immediate term and consumer appetite will pick up in time for the Black Friday sales and festive season. Retailers must now grapple with over £5bn of new costs announced by the Chancellor, including in Employer National Insurance, Business Rates and the uplift in the National Living Wage. Managing this will hold back investment and growth in the short term, while further squeezing already-low margins and risking inflation," she said.
Commenting on sales performance of food and drink sector performance, Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD, said,“In October, UK food and grocery sales saw a modest step up in growth compared to September, but this period does not include the last five days of the month, when an uptick of spending around Halloween might have been expected.
“However, the arrival of customary ‘pre-festive’ deals in categories such as wine helped boost sales in the second half of the month. Importantly - volume, as well as value growth, remained positive despite a downbeat mood in the wider economy reflecting nervousness around potential tax hikes in the government’s budget.
“Shopper Confidence continues to reflect very differing shopper experiences, with lower income households feeling much more negative than higher income households. Retailers will be hoping that measures announced in the budget, such as the uplift in the minimum wage, will give a much-needed confidence boost to lower income shoppers and that the nation is looking forward to the coming festive period with more optimism.”
Nisa Local Smithy Green, led by store owners Mitesh and his brother Hepesh Halai (affectionately known as Gaz), joined forces with Ince CE Primary School to host a fun-filled fundraising day for Talk First, a local charity supporting families and children.
Originally intended to take place outside the Nisa store, the overwhelming community interest prompted the school to generously offer their grounds, transforming the day into a larger celebration of community spirit.
The event was packed with excitement, featuring stalls, games, and a crowd-favourite Gaz getting soaked in the stocks! The collaborative efforts of the school, Talk First, Wigan Council, and the Wigan Mayor highlighted the true power of partnership within the local community.
The fundraising exceeded expectations, with more than £1,600 raised on the day. Ince CE Primary School contributed a generous £410, and Nisa Locally Smithy Green further boosted the total by matching the school's donation through their Making a Difference Locally (MADL) fund. This brought the overall amount raised to an impressive £2,421.
Reflecting on the event, Hepesh said: "A representative from Talk First called it ‘Community Partnership working at its very best!’ We couldn't agree more. This day showed what can be achieved when our community comes together for a great cause."
He extended heartfelt thanks to the school staff, volunteers, Talk First representatives, and the local dignitaries who made the day such a success. Through Making a Difference Locally, Nisa retailers support local causes by donating a percentage of sales from Heritage and Co-op products in-store, directly benefiting their communities.
Kate Carroll, Nisa’s Head of Charity, added, "This event exemplifies the incredible impact our retailers can make through MADL. We are so proud of Nisa Locally Smithy Green and the Ince community for their unwavering dedication to helping local causes like Talk First."
Forecourt operator EG Group on Friday said it has completed the sale of its remaining UK forecourt business and certain foodservice locations to co-founder Zuber Issa.
The group added that the transaction proceeds will be used to repay debt.
As previously announced, following completion of the transaction, Zuber has now stepped down from his executive leadership capacity at EG Group, becoming a non-executive director.
His brother and co-founder Mohsin Issa will lead the group as sole chief executive.
EG Group has in June announced the sale of the remaining UK business for £228 million to Zuber, who will focus on leading and growing a new UK petrol forecourt and convenience retail business, including food service, to be branded ‘EG on the Move’.
“Mohsin and I have realised and surpassed our own expectations and the group is a UK success story on a global stage,” Zuber said in September, as the deal received all relevant approvals.
“Our business represents the very best standards and customer experience of leading retail brands in fuel, foodservice, grocery and merchandise. I am very proud of what we have built together and look forward to being part of the Group’s continued success.”
Mohsin added: “This is a very exciting time for EG Group and the wider sector. I am delighted to return to lead EG Group where there are many opportunities. I would like to also pay tribute to Zuber’s effective leadership, incredible contribution, dedication and commitment to EG Group.
“We embarked on this exciting enterprise journey together knowing no boundaries, moving from one site in Bury to the world class global convenience business that it is today. I look forward to continuing to work with my brother and receiving his strategic counsel as a fellow shareholder and board member on the EG Group board.”
EG has an extensive global network spanning nine international markets across the UK, continental Europe, US and Australia with more than 5,500 sites and employing about 38,000 colleagues.