Minutes of meeting held on 4 July 2002

Minutes of Foodaware meetings

CFG 16/02

Foodaware: the Consumers’ Food Group
Minutes of the fifth meeting – held on 4 July 2002
UK European Parliament, Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1

Minutes of last meeting
Matters arising:
  FSA meeting with consumer groups
  Future development of Foodaware
  Choking on Food: new FSA Expert Panel
  Invitation from British Nutrition Foundation
UK and EU update and future priorities
Sustainable Food and Farming - update
EU Nutrition policy - update
Organic farming and foods paper - revised draft (CFG 03/02 rev)
Draft paper on enforcement (CFG 13/02)
Fish Farming (CFG 09/02)
Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFG 11/02)
Proposed work with the National Council of Women

Present

Members:

Susan Knox - Chair, CEG and UKROFS
Paul Allen - European Food Law Association (EFLA) UK
Ann Campbell - Advisory Committee for Scotland
John Godfrey - ERICA
Janet Graham - Individual member
Mike Jobson - Trading Standards Institute
Margaret Langley - COM
Penny McNeill - General Consumer Council Northern Ireland
Helen Millar - NCF and Individual member
Sue Payne - NCF
Pamela Pollock - Townswomen’s Guild
Grace Wedekind - European Centre, ICW
Margaret Williams - National Federation of Women’s Institutes

Observers:

Mark Ainsbury - FSA
Noel Griffin - FSA

Foodaware:

Ann Davison - Foodaware Manager & ECOSOC
Lucy Harris - UK Co-ordinator
Caroline Naett - Researcher
Jane Jeffreys - Administrative support

Apologies:

Erica Bargman - European Union of Women (EUW)
Judy Brander - National Council of Women (NCW)
Ruth Chadwick - Advisory Committee on Novel Foods & Processes
Gilli Davies - Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs
Jan Fullwood - Good Housekeeping Institute
Fiona Hodgson - Committee on Animal Feeding Stuff
Eva Lewis Advisory - Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food
Jenny Morris - CIEH
Sylvia Owen - Advisory Committee on Pesticides
Jacquie Salfield - Institute of Consumer Sciences
David Smith - Advisory Committee for Wales
Jacqui Webster - FSA
Alma Williams - EU Economic and Social Committee
Claire Whyley - Welsh Consumer Council

NB Report from discussion on Codex Alimentarius with Diane McCrea to be circulated separately.

1. Welcome and apologies for absence

Susan Knox welcomed everyone to the fifth meeting of Foodaware: the Consumers’ Food Group. Everyone briefly introduced themselves. It was noted that a number of apologies had been received and would be added to the minutes.

2. Minutes of last meeting

There were no amendments to the minutes of the last meeting. They were then agreed and signed as a true record of the meeting (CFG 07/02).

Lucy commented on action points from the last meeting:

Foodaware involvement in the FSA Meat Hygiene Policy Forum. Further details were awaited from FSA. The next meeting is expected to take place in November 2002.
Representation at NCC voluntary labelling code of practice meeting. John Godfrey attended. Full NCC report available from Lucy Harris.
Members to send details of any meetings they had attended on behalf of Foodaware to Lucy Harris. Ongoing. A report/expenses form is now available. Concern was expressed about the short notice of many FSA meetings. There was a consensus that FSA should ideally give four weeks’ notice for meetings.
Foodaware website details to be added to headed paper. Done
Invite Diane McCrea to next meeting to discuss Codex. Done.
Revise Antimicrobial resistance paper and circulate final version. Done
Revise, circulate and finalise EU nutrition policy paper. Almost done.
Revise Organic farming and foods paper and send to FSA. Paper revised but not yet sent to FSA.
Members’ details to be added to Foodaware website. Details in process of being checked with members. A suggestion was also made for links to be established between the Foodaware website and those of member organisations.
Establish contacts with ethnic minority and poverty groups with a view to widening the membership. This issue was discussed further and Grace Wedekind said she had some contacts and would follow-up. It was also suggested that it might be useful to make contact with certain children’s groups.

3. Matters arising

3.1 FSA meeting with consumer groups

Sue Payne reported back on the FSA meeting with consumer groups held on 14 June. It was noted that her written report had already been circulated on the listserve. She highlighted the proposals coming out of the meeting concerning how FSA could improve its contacts with consumer organisations:

FSA to visit consumer groups on their home ground and/or at regional meetings.
Consumer groups to let FSA know of their forward plans.
Consumer groups to invite FSA to attend membership meetings and provide speakers.
FSA to help consumer groups strengthen networking.

In the following discussion, members suggested that Foodaware and FSA should consider holding meetings jointly on issues where FSA were particularly keen to get consumer input. These meetings could cover several issues and would thus make them more worthwhile for consumer representatives.

The idea of holding meetings in different parts of the country was also suggested. Noel Griffin mentioned the FSA Food Labelling Forums that were held around the country as a possible starting point. These might attract a wider range of attendees especially those who were not able to travel to London for a short meeting on a specific subject.

3.2 Future development of Foodaware

Ann Davison said that the FSA had recently agreed to renew ERICA’s contract to manage Foodaware. At the recent review, FSA had given very positive feedback on FA’s work especially from those divisions with which we had been in contact, for example, on the quality of papers and meeting attendance. We are seen to cover a wide range of subjects with evident expertise, knowledge and common sense.

A number of specific suggestions for the future had arisen in discussions with FSA:

To extend our reach and visibility within FSA, for example, to Animal Feed and Meat Hygiene divisions which have asked for help.
To consult relevant officials at an early stage on subjects identified as priorities and also possibly on draft papers.
To emphasise any direct achievements in our reporting back to FSA.

A discussion with members followed in which a number of further suggestions were put forward:

To make sure we retain our focus as much as possible on FSA areas of work and also to emphasise our EU expertise.
To make sure members who attend FSA meetings on behalf of Foodaware (as well as their own organisations) say so and get minuted as such.
To extend our visibility through the membership, for example, links from their websites, articles on their websites or in their magazines.
To create a Foodaware newsletter and/or contribute to FSA news.
To help FSA address some of the issues raised at their meeting with consumer groups (see 3.1 above).
To widen the funding base, for example, through joint projects with members.
To widen the membership.

ACTION (3.1 and 3.2): Steering Committee, staff and members to follow-up these suggestions as appropriate.

3.3 Choking on Food: new FSA Expert Panel

Lucy reported that Foodaware had been invited by FSA to put forward a consumer representative for this panel. Sue Payne had agreed and had attended the initial meeting.

3.4 Invitation from British Nutrition Foundation

Lucy reported that Foodaware had just been invited to put forward a representative to sit on the Steering Group to help plan the FLAIR-FLOW Consensus Platform for Consumer Groups being organised by the British Nutrition Foundation. This event, which will focus on a topic related to food and nutrition of interest to consumer groups, will be held in mid-2003 and will take the form of a BBC ‘Question Time’ panel discussion. Paul Allen said that he was already involved in this initiative and he would happily represent Foodaware.

ACTION: Lucy to put forward Paul Allen’s name to the BNF.

4.     UK and EU update and future priorities

4.1   UK update

Lucy referred members to her report (UK co-ordinator’s report) that had been circulated on the list serve prior to the meeting. This gave an update on policy development and promotion over the last three months, a list of meetings attended by FA representatives and also the state of play concerning FSA consultations.

She mentioned that a consultation on Health Claims had just been published with just a few days for comments. It was agreed she should send the existing FA health claims paper with a covering note.

ACTION: Lucy to forward the Foodaware paper on health claims (CFG 12/01) to FSA immediately in order to meet the 5 July deadline.

Lucy had also just heard that FSA were to publish a Pesticide Action Plan in September aimed at assessing any potential risks resulting form exposure to a ‘cocktail’ of pesticide residues and veterinary medicines. Members’ showed considerable interest in this and it was agreed to find out more as this was an issue of great concern to members.

ACTION: Lucy to find out more about the forthcoming FSA Pesticide Action Plan.

4.2   EU update

Caroline introduced this and referred members to her report (EU update) that had been circulated with the meeting papers. She highlighted some of the most interesting developments:

Labelling: the Commission is to carry out an evaluation of labelling legislation with a view to modernising and simplifying it. This is likely to be important and could be something on which Foodaware might want to hold a joint meeting with FSA.
Claims: the Commission has just prepared a proposal to cover nutrition, functional and health claims (see 4.1 above).
Fortification: legislation will be developed, awaiting consultation details.
Novel foods: a consultation paper was expected from the Commission in the near future.

Caroline also reported on a number of developments within the European Parliament.

The EP had completed its first reading on the zoonoses proposals on 15 May broadly supporting the principle of setting targets to reduce the prevalence of different types of salmonella in animal populations. Foodaware had been one of the first organisations to act and have a position ready on this issue. The EP rapporteur, requested a meeting with Foodaware (CN), and was supportive of its position. She had requested Foodaware’s support in overcoming opposition to the proposals. Consequently, Foodaware had written, and sent its position paper, to all UK MEPs in April.

She mentioned that, in relation to the hygiene of foodstuffs proposals, the Commission appears to be blocking the application of HACCP at the farm level (despite EP support for this).

Concerning the labelling of allergens, at its first reading in June, the EP adopted a position that included the exact wording of the Foodaware position. Ann Davison added that this was a very significant success for Foodaware and congratulations were given to Caroline for her hard lobbying efforts over the last few months. Caroline added that this work had given her the opportunity of building links with other organisations, especially BEUC and certain allergy groups, and that Foodaware’s work on this issue had since been used by other organisations.

Finally, Caroline mentioned a new report ‘Scenarios for co-existence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops in European agriculture’ published by the Joint Research Centre and commissioned by the Agriculture Directorate-General. It was agreed that this was an issue of great importance to UK consumers and that Foodaware should get a copy of the report. John Godfrey agreed to have a look at it and to assess whether Foodaware should follow-up in any way.

ACTION: Caroline to get more information and a copy of the GM report. John Godfrey to make an initial assessment.

5. Sustainable Food and Farming – update

Members were reminded that DEFRA had recently carried out a consultation on how it should take forward the recommendations of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food. Foodaware had produced a paper (based on the principles set out in its earlier response to the Policy Commission in the paper CFG 08/01). Consultation had taken place on the list-serve and the final response submitted in time for the 18 June deadline (CFG 08/02). This had been included in the meeting papers but there was not time for further discussion.

6. EU Nutrition policy - update

It was noted that this paper (CFG 02/02 rev1) – the latest version of which was circulated at the meeting – had been revised since the last meeting. It was now ready to be finalised (once a suggested reference to food co-ops had been added). It was agreed that the paper should be widely distributed including to Sir John Krebbs as the FSA Board was considering how to address poverty issues.

Ann and Caroline had also produced a draft paper ‘Eating Well’ (CFG 12/02) which had been circulated with the meeting papers. She explained that the aim of this was to produce some practical nutritional advice aimed at ordinary consumers as a follow-up to the policy paper. This could be put on the Foodaware website and distributed by members through their own networks.

Members suggested that the paper should be verified to ensure that it was scientifically correct and consistent with approved nutritional advice from other reputable sources. They also suggested that it should include references.

ACTION: Paper CFG 02/02 rev1 to be finalised and distributed asap. Paper CFG 12/02 – Lucy to send to the BNF asking them to verify/comment. Caroline to amend and circulate to members for comment. Once finalised to be put on Foodaware website.

7. Organic farming and foods paper – revised draft (CFG 03/02 rev.)

Lucy introduced the paper. She mentioned that she had received a substantial NCC paper on the future of UKROFS following the last meeting and had tried to integrate some of their concerns. Caroline added that discussions were now taking place in the European Commission on an Organic Action Plan and it was agreed that Foodaware should send its paper to the Directorate General for Agriculture as soon as possible.

A short discussion took place about the labelling organic foods and members expressed their concern about the variety of logos present (for each of the 12 sector bodies). They were also concerned about the plethora of labelling schemes for farm assurance schemes (five or six of which are covered by the Red Tractor logo). It was agreed that these issues should be taken up in Foodaware’s ongoing work on food labelling.

It was agreed that the paper should be revised to include some minor amendments but not re-circulated for comment. The final version should be distributed as soon as possible.

ACTION: Lucy to revise paper and distribute asap.

8. Draft paper on enforcement (CFG 13/02)

Mike Jobson introduced the paper. He said that a variety of enforcement systems were used across the EU. In the UK most enforcement took place at the regional level with a division between health/hygiene aspects (the responsibility of Environmental Health Officers) and other standards (the responsibility of Trading Standards Officers). The FSA had a statutory role to carry out audits of local authority enforcement work and they generally achieved very good results.

There was a suggestion that the paper could include more on meat hygiene and animal feed. For example, ask why the UK is not implementing the EU legislation to eradicate Salmonella in breeding flocks. Paul Allen offered to help find relevant enforcement statistics to add to the paper. It was also mentioned that Sustain might be able to contribute as they had a working group looking at a register for food business convictions and prohibitions. It was agreed that the paper needed conclusions and recommendations.

It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Sir John Krebbs expressing concern about enforcement levels – with the zoonoses paper attached. A draft should also be sent to BEUC who would soon be having a meeting – emphasising the need to implement EU legislation - with the new Danish Presidency.

ACTION: Mike Jobson and Paul Allen to develop the paper before it is circulated again for comment.

9. Fish Farming (CFG 09/02)

Members thanked Sue Payne for contributing this draft paper for discussion. Members made a number of specific comments, for example, to replace reference to ‘first class’ protein with ‘high biological value’ protein. During discussion concerns were raised about the high levels of disease and the widespread use of unauthorised substances in intensive fish farming, and particularly, the difficulty of control.

It was agreed that more information about fish farming operations and controls was needed to develop the paper further. It was thought that Judy Brander and Margaret Williams could assist with this. Also, that Sustain and/or Compassion on World Farming might have relevant papers or material. John Godfrey offered to look into the issue of the hazards and/or benefits to pregnant and breast-feeding women of eating fish.

The wider socio-economic factors associated with fish farming in Scotland and Northern Ireland were also mentioned.

It was noted that the Commission was due to publish a new paper on aquaculture. It was therefore agreed that the Foodaware paper should go on hold until this was published and, in the meantime, the further information mentioned above could be gathered.

ACTION: Staff and members to gather relevant material and forward to Caroline. Paper to be revised and then finalised as a response to the Commission paper later in the year.

10. Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFG 11/02)

Caroline introduced this paper saying that she had used material from a number of John Godfrey’s papers as a starting point. It was clear that the situation over the CFP was very serious with large subsidies supporting an industry that was a long way from being sustainable – with the fishing fleet capacity still much too large. Even the Commission, in its new proposals, had recognised that the CFP had been counter-productive. A review was now taking place and member states were defending their national interests. John added that the main aim of the present Commission proposals was to reduce fleet sizes but to do this subsidies must also be stopped for the modernisation of fleets. A huge political battle was expected and it was likely that the Commission proposals would be further weakened by the Council.

It was agreed that Foodaware should generally support the Commission proposals, with some provisos.

ACTION: Caroline to finalise the paper and send it to the Commission and MEPs (probably in September to maximize attention).

11. Proposed work with the National Council of Women

Susan reported that an idea for joint work with NCW had arisen following a meeting of theirs she attended on 9 May. This had been to hear Dr Judy MacArthur Clark, Chairwoman of the Animal Welfare Council, speak about the Council’s report on Foot and Mouth. NCW wanted to follow up on a number of related issues (the need for better welfare on farms and better source labelling of meat) and had invited Foodaware to work with them.

Members agreed that there were many issues of outstanding concern, for example, the poor public understanding of a vaccination policy. It was agreed that Foodaware should wait to hear more details from NCW. In the meantime, Foodaware members could recirculate through their own networks, the report from Foodaware’s October meeting where Dr Andrew King spoke on the subject of Foot and Mouth and pros and cons of vaccination.

ACTION: Await further details from NCW.

12. Any other business and date of next meeting

It was noted that David Alexander, formerly of NCC, was now working as special adviser to Sir John Krebbs and Suzi Leather. Mike O’Neill, formerly of FSA, had replaced David at NCC.

Once again, members were reminded to inform Jane (by phone, email etc) whether or not they were coming to particular meetings. This was particularly important for catering arrangements.

Mike Jobson requested that paper numbers be added to the agenda in future.

The date for the next meeting would be Thursday 17 October.

The meeting closed at 4 pm.