248038.13

This research falls under the Operational Transformation Programme (OTP) which aims to modernise the regulatory framework for the Official Controls. Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the meat, wine and dairy sectors all have a direct relationship with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) via its Official Controls, including inspections, enforcement, advice and guidance. In 2020, the FSA piloted research to better understand the views that FBOs in England and Wales had of the FSA and Official Controls. This research explored several areas including overall views of the FSA, FBOs understanding of the FSA’s role and purpose, what FBOs value about the FSA and criticisms, FBOs experience of certain FSA processes, ease of compliance with FSA guidelines and requirements and their satisfaction with FSA communications. The research consisted of both quantitative and qualitative interviews with wine and meat FBOs and quantitative interviews with dairy FBOs.