FSA publishes first overview of meat inspection charges review
This week, the Food Standards Agency published papers ahead of their next board meeting including an evaluation of the Meat Charging Regime which includes an initial overview of responses to their call for evidence on the subject.
It's looking likely that the discount scheme will continue in 2025-26 but unclear what happens thereafter. FSA has said that the next steps should be further investigation into the impacts of withdrawing support on farming, rural communities, UK consumers and British export competitiveness. They want to find out if continued support is justified and, if it is, whether the current discount scheme for meat inspections is the right method to deliver it.
The report says: "There may also be wider benefits to both government and industry if support is delivered in a different way, for example facilitating opportunity for improvements through simplification of IT and administrative requirements"
On Wednesday 11 December, the FSA Board will consider the approach to meat inspection charges from April 2026. The meeting is being broadcast live, and you can sign up to view it here.