In Scope
- Regulatory activity by national regulators and local authorities that affects / is perceived to affect the day-to-day running of micro and small businesses (that employee fewer than 50 employees) involved in food and drink manufacturing;
- A representative mix of business drawn from both high and low-risk food / drink manufacturing, in order to compare respective models and practices of regulatory activity;
- Those business that manufacture food and drink for supply to the public through retail outlets including farm shops, markets and on-line
We would also be interested to learn about examples of effective, tailored and easy to understand guidance and advice for businesses, and good regulatory delivery that is risk-based, focused on achieving compliance and supporting business growth.
Out of Scope
- Primary food production (eg farming, aquaculture) although production of produce for sale in farm shops would be in scope;
- Meat processing where the product is not for immediate sale to the public;
- Catering / food preparation (such as restaurants or take-away outlets)
- Regulatory activity that is not particular to the food / drink industry, such as employment law, company law etc
Regulatory Activity
“Regulatory Activity” in this context includes action taken by national regulators or officers of local authorities, including:
- provision of advice on compliance with the law;
- inspections of locations or equipment in order to satisfy regulatory authorities of compliance with the law;
- requirements to make formal applications, or provide information, in order to obtain necessary permits to engage in food manufacturing business;
- requirements to attend courses / obtain particular qualifications;
- enforcement proceedings taken against individuals or organisations in the event of failure to comply with regulations (we cannot consider comments on specific cases unless all proceedings have finished – but we can consider general evidence in relation to enforcement proceedings)