Food Poisoning

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety and hygiene across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It sets and enforces standards across the food chain, working with local authorities and maintaining a direct presence in slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. It also ensures controls are in place at primary production level, including dairy hygiene and egg production, to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and E. coli.

The FSA uses a risk-based approach to monitor and respond to foodborne illness, including leading incident investigations when outbreaks or contamination events occur. It works with public health partners to identify causes, manage risks, and put control measures in place. The FSA also leads research and surveillance programmes, including national monitoring and PATH-SAFE, and works closely with industry to improve standards in higher-risk sectors. It provides clear guidance to businesses and consumers on safe food handling, helping to prevent contamination and maintain high standards from farm to fork.