Most food companies feel leaving the European Union has affected operations while many said COVID-19 didn’t impact their ability to meet regulatory requirements, according to a survey.

The poll, commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), included 400 businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus interviews with 60 companies.

Continue Reading Survey reveals pandemic and Brexit impact on businesses

Guidance from the Food Standards Agency helped local authorities handle food-related work during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an assessment.

In June 2021, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) provided local authorities with a plan for running food hygiene and food standards services during the pandemic. It will apply until the end of

Continue Reading FSA assesses the impact of advice to local authorities during COVID-19

Scottish health officials have admitted the surveillance of foodborne outbreaks suffered due to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a report on gastrointestinal and zoonotic pathogens for 2020 and 2021, only outbreaks involving Public Health Scotland (PHS) are covered. Officials said as surveillance had lapsed, it was not a

Continue Reading Scottish agency publishes first report on foodborne illness

Surveillance of certain bacterial pathogens was maintained in Germany despite a reduction in sample submissions during the first part of the Coronavirus pandemic, according to the Robert Koch-Institut.

In March 2020, infection control measures were taken in Germany to deal with COVID-19. By August, the number of reported salmonellosis cases

Continue Reading German pathogen surveillance continued despite COVID-19 pressures

Measures making it easier for food businesses to operate as takeaways during the COVID-19 pandemic led to issues around food hygiene, according to scientists.

Researchers analyzed the effect COVID-19 had on the North East hot food takeaway industry in England. Findings were published in the journal Perspectives in Public Health

Continue Reading Hygiene concerns raised by takeaway rule change during COVID-19

Measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 appear to have reduced food poisoning in England, according to a study.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) include travel restrictions, social distancing, lockdowns, and isolation policies.

Researchers looked at cases of seven reportable communicable diseases including food poisoning from January 2017 to January 2021.

Continue Reading Decline in foodborne illnesses in England likely linked to COVID-19 restrictions