The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published three documents setting out how science, evidence and information will be used to deliver food that consumers can trust.

The documents include the FSA’s Science, Evidence and Information Strategy 2015-2020 Delivery Plan, its programme of work and forward evidence plan 2016/17.

The agency says it will use science, evidence and information both to tackle the challenges of today, and to identify and contribute to addressing emerging risks for the future.

The delivery plan sets out its priorities for the science needed to develop and apply (the ‘what’), and the way it conducts its science (the ‘how’).

The other two documents give more detail on the specific activities the FSA will carry out to inform stakeholders and invite comment – the programme of work sets out the main activities of the programme over the five years of the strategy, and the forward evidence plan gives more detail on the new science and evidence work it hopes to embark upon in the coming financial year.

Responding to the news, Shaun Bossons, EVP global business development at Trace One, says, “We welcome the FSA looking to increasingly use science, evidence and information to protect consumer interests. Growing consumer demands for clearer information and an increasingly complex global supply chain mean manufacturers and retailers need to work more intelligently to protect their consumers and the reputation of the food industry as a whole.

“Two key areas the FSA have identified are ensuring food is safe and what it says it is; and helping consumers make informed decisions. Transparency of information will be essential in achieving this, but the onus is on the industry to collaborate effectively and share this information through the supply chain.

“Whether verifying supplier information such as hygienic factory conditions, ensuring all ingredients are ethically sourced, or confirming essential tests have been regularly conducted, information is essential to ensuring the integrity and safety of products and conveying the right information consumers are demanding.”