UK spice industry makes open doors invitation to FSA

09/05/05 The UK spice industry has set out an unprecedented offer to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), proposing a joint, industry wide survey with FSA of UK spices and making an open doors invitation to FSA to visit any office or factory.

In a letter to FSA Chief Executive, Jon Bell, The UK Seasoning and Spice Association(SSA) which represents the bulk of the UK branded spices industry said:

“The UK industry has a long record of cooperating with UK regulatory authorities. Given the need to work together in the current uncertainty over the presence of non-permitted colours in a small number of our products, the SSA would like to extend an offer of the fullest possible cooperation with the UK authorities.”

This will include:
- an open invitation to FSA officials and Home Authority representatives to organise visits to every SSA company office or plant, and to study SSA companies’ Quality Assurance and traceability systems in order to improve understanding of how the industry operates

- a commitment to work with FSA on an industry-wide joint survey of relevant spices;

- providing FSA with access to industry experts from within SSA membership, and

- to work to provide a central point of access for consumer information.

SSA Chairman, Simon Cripps said, “This initiative demonstrates that the sector takes its responsibilities very seriously and is acting constructively with the interests of consumers at heart. Although FSA has reassured consumers that the level of risk from non-permitted colours in foods is very low indeed, we are determined to work with the Agency to resolve the issues affecting our supply chain.”

The Seasoning and Spice Association’s (SSA) aim is to be the leading voice of the UK Seasoning and Spice industry in the interests of members, food manufacturers and consumers alike.