Transparency data

Report to the FSA Board from the Director for Wales: September 2026

Published 3 September 2026

Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Report by Peter Quigley to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) September 2026 Board meeting.

This report is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

1. Summary

1.1 This paper provides a high-level overview of the work of the FSA in Wales over the last year and a forward look at our priorities for the coming months.

1.2 The Board is asked to:

• assess the effectiveness of the work in Wales to deliver FSA priorities
• consider the alignment of this work with the FSA’s strategic direction; and
• provide feedback on the identified priorities

2. Introduction

2.1 In Wales, the FSA has policy responsibilities and delivers statutory functions across all aspects of food and feed safety and hygiene, and has the additional policy remit of food compositional standards and labelling. This means advising and making recommendations on legislative food and feed policy changes to Welsh Ministers.

2.2 The team of 66.76 (FTE) people deliver functions in accordance with the FSA’s organisational priorities for Wales, as agreed with Welsh Ministers in the form of our annual funding letter. Within this context, in Wales the FSA has embedded the principles of the two UK common frameworks – on Food and Feed Safety and Hygiene and on Food Compositional Standards and Labelling.

2.3 While the Welsh Government has confirmed funding of £5.6 million for the FSA’s functions in Wales for this financial year, the process for setting next year’s budget will conclude later this autumn.  This funding sits within the wider Welsh Government Health and Social Care budget of £12.6 billion for 2026/27 underlining that the FSA’s work represents a comparatively small but important investment in protecting public health, supporting consumer confidence and maintaining a safe and trusted food system in Wales.

2.4 Since the last report, a Senedd election has resulted in a new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government, the first administration in Wales not led by Welsh Labour since devolution. Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has been appointed Prif Weinidog (First Minister), with Nerys Evans MS now holding responsibility for the FSA portfolio as Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, alongside Llyr Gruffydd MS as Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability. We wrote promptly to the new Ministers to set out the FSA’s role and priorities and reaffirm our commitment to working with Welsh Government to protect public health and consumer interests in Wales. We have also facilitated an introductory meeting between our Chair and Nerys Evans MS at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, including discussion of the FSA’s role in supporting the new National Food Strategy for Wales.

2.5 The Welsh Government’s review of the FSA in Wales concluded in February 2026 with publication of the final report. It found that the food safety system in Wales is fundamentally sound and recognised the FSA in Wales as a trusted organisation with a strong public health mission. It made nine recommendations focused on strengthening governance, clarifying roles and responsibilities, improving engagement and liaison arrangements with Welsh Government and local authorities, and enhancing transparency and collaboration across the food regulatory system in Wales. These recommendations strongly align with our priorities in Wales, and implementation is progressing at pace through regular Oversight Group meetings that maintain focus, test progress and drive coordinated action. As we take this work forward, we look forward to working with the new Welsh Government to ensure the FSA is organised, equipped and able to support delivery of its wider food agenda.

3. Progress against our priorities over the past 12 months

3.1 The previous report highlighted four priority areas of work: a) supporting the work of local authorities (LAs) in Wales; b) delivering functions relating to our commitments made under a section 83 agreement with respect to market authorisations; c) supporting the delivery of broader Welsh Government priorities in line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act; and d) continued engagement across Wales with key stakeholders.

3.2 As this is my first report to the Board as Director for Wales, I would like to acknowledge and thank Sian Bowsley for her leadership and contribution during most of this reporting period as the previous Director for Wales. I am pleased to report that over this period there has been progress across all these areas, with an ambitious plan of work ahead. We have continued to strengthen our network, visibility, and influence within the Welsh Government, ensuring the FSA’s priorities are well understood and aligned with devolved policy objectives. In addition, we have continued to facilitate and support engagement between the Chair, Welsh ministers and Members of the Senedd (MSs).

Supporting the work of LAs in Wales

3.3 We continue to support the work of LAs in Wales, who are key partners in delivering our remit. Through the 2023 Collaborative Agreement, we work alongside Welsh Government and LAs to strengthen collaboration across the food regulatory system, building on principles of mutual trust, respect and shared accountability. We regularly report progress to the Minister, providing assurance on delivery and highlighting areas where continued joint working can strengthen outcomes across Wales. Dr Rhian Hayward, in her capacity as Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC) Chair and Board Member for Wales, continues to meet regularly with representatives from Directors of Public Protection Wales (DPPW) and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). WFAC has also held a themed meeting on the Future of Food Regulation programme, with presentations and contributions from local authority representatives.

3.4 In addition to our ongoing engagement with DPPW and WLGA, we supported the introduction and rollout of the Food Standards Delivery Model (FSDM) in Wales. This included bilingual publication of the updated Food Law Code of Practice (Wales), which introduced the revised intervention rating scheme and decision matrix to help LAs target resources at higher-risk and non-compliant businesses, while supporting a consistent and proportionate approach to food standards controls.

3.5 The 2025/26 focused LA audit programme assessed the effectiveness of official food controls relating to allergens in Wales. The programme included a series of audits across Welsh LAs, with findings used to provide assurance, identify good practice and inform improvements in local delivery.  We plan to publish a full report shortly. The current year’s audit programme focuses on official control sampling, with audits already under way and two completed to date.

3.6 The Local Authority Performance update provides an overview of LA Performance at a three-nation level.

3.7 Through the LA sampling programme in Wales, we funded 230 samples across 10 Welsh LAs in the last financial year. Sampling was risk-based, focusing on known or emerging concerns and areas aligned to national food standards priorities. This work identified several instances of product substitution and misdescription, including takeaway pizza toppings sold as pork ham that were found to be turkey, and lamb doner products that contained little or no lamb. These findings have informed targeted regulatory and prevention activity, including industry awareness work led by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), and are contributing to ongoing Operation Opson analysis to shape further intelligence-led activity.

3.8 Using the Welsh Government’s annual ring-fenced budget, we have agreed the Animal Feed Delivery Programme for 2026–27 with LAs and the Feed Governance Group, alongside new Terms of Reference that strengthen oversight of the regional feed delivery model and support consistent, risk-based controls across Wales.

3.9 We are engaging with LAs in Wales on the Future of Food Regulation programme, as detailed in a paper being presented to Board during the September meeting. The programme is working with partners across the food system to build a regulatory approach that is effective, resilient and trusted in the future. This includes enhancing business registration, so that we have a clearer picture of who is operating in the food system, building on the work already undertaken in Wales following a Ministerial request under the collaborative agreement. We have now completed an exploration of an enhanced system of registration within Wales and updated the Minister earlier this year.

3.10 We have maintained a regular programme of structured in-person engagement with Welsh LAs and lead animal feed officers, including a Feed Day focussing on the regional feed delivery model, sessions on the SPS Agreement and the Future of Food Regulation Programme, and workshops on the Food Standards Delivery Model (FSDM) attended by 80 officers across Wales. These events have supported awareness and understanding of key developments and provide an important forum for two-way discussion, helping to build confidence, promote consistent delivery and capture early feedback on local priorities, pressures and delivery challenges.

Market authorisations (delivering our section 83 agreement)

3.11 Over the last year, we have progressed a programme of regulated product authorisations in Wales, including the determination of seven food and feed applications and the revocation of eight flavouring substances. We continue to support Welsh ministers through regulated product consultations in Wales and risk management recommendations.

Supporting the delivery of broader Welsh Government priorities

3.12 Our membership of the Welsh Government’s Food Forum has also helped strengthen relationships and collaboration on wider Welsh Government food priorities. Through the Forum, we have strengthened our profile with key officials and provided support for work including Food Sense Wales and the Future Generations Commissioner’s LA guidance to help shape better food systems. We look forward to being a key delivery partner as this work develops, ensuring food safety and standards are considered from the outset and providing evidence, insight and regulatory expertise that can help translate ambition into practical outcomes for consumers, businesses and communities across Wales.

3.13 We recently worked with Business Wales to promote the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, delivered with Welsh Government and LAs, through the article ‘Every Food Business Can Achieve a Food Hygiene Rating of 5’. Shared through the Business Wales newsletter to 15,000 subscribers and across social channels, it reinforced the value of strong hygiene standards for businesses, LAs and consumers.

3.14 The new Welsh Government’s plans for a National Food Strategy for Wales are an important and exciting opportunity to support a whole-system approach to food, from farm to fork. We welcome its positive and proactive focus and stand ready to contribute the FSA’s expertise on food safety and standards, data and consumer insight to help shape key programmes that protect public health, support consumers and strengthen confidence in the food system.

Continued engagement across Wales with key stakeholders

3.15 We have taken every opportunity to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and delivery partners across Wales through proactive, visible engagement. Our presence at events such as Blas Cymru, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Chartered Trading Standards Institute conferences has provided valuable opportunities to showcase the FSA’s work, support senior-level engagement and recognise excellence in food standards in Wales. This sustained engagement helps maintain the FSA’s visibility and influence, strengthens relationships with those who deliver and shape the food regulatory system, and keeps our work closely informed by the priorities and challenges facing consumers, businesses and delivery partners across Wales.

3.16 This year, we have increased engagement with Members of the Senedd (MSs), both before and after the election, to strengthen awareness of the FSA’s role, priorities and work in Wales. This has included regular quarterly updates, ad hoc briefings on issues of interest, and engagement through Y Farchnad, a marketplace event at the Senedd where we can engage with MSs directly. We also used the opportunity of the Royal Welsh Show to support wider stakeholder engagement, meeting with Ministers to maintain visibility and reinforce the FSA’s contribution to protecting public health and consumer interests in Wales.   

3.17 Our presence at the National Eisteddfod in August provided an important opportunity to engage directly with consumers, stakeholders and partners in a prominent Welsh cultural setting. Through bilingual engagement, we promoted key food safety messages, increased awareness of the FSA’s role in Wales, and strengthened our visibility with audiences across Wales. In total, we engaged with 1,526 consumers and stakeholders. This activity also supported our wider commitment to engaging in ways that reflect the language, culture and communities of Wales.

3.18 Over the past year, we have worked with the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) to support the development of new food-related qualifications for Wales.  This has included contributing to a Food Planning and Preparation module within the new National Qualifications for Wales Skills Suite for learners aged 14 to 16, with a strong focus on practical skills. The module covers preparing food safely, allergens, food labelling and food waste, and we are also currently working with WJEC on the development of a Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education in Hospitality and Catering. This work helps ensure that essential information on food safety and standards is introduced at key stages of learners’ development and career decision-making, supporting future consumers and the food workforce in Wales.

3.19 In November, we launched our new bilingual Facebook and Instagram channels for Wales, strengthening our digital presence and improving how we reach consumers and businesses. This work has required close cross-team collaboration to plan and deliver engaging content, sustain momentum and grow our audience over the coming year. A particular focus has been developing distinctive, culturally relevant bilingual content that is useful, accessible and impactful.

4. Delivering corporate priorities

4.1 Alongside work on Wales-specific areas, the FSA team in Wales is integrated into wider FSA priorities and programmes and works closely with colleagues in England and Northern Ireland.

4.2 We have continued to play an active role in shaping and supporting preparations for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU, which has been the primary focus of our food compositional standards and labelling work. We have led arrangements within Wales’ broader food compositional standards and labelling remit and supported the FSA’s wider SPS governance and programme activity. Working closely with the Welsh Government and Defra, we have assessed the implications of an SPS agreement in a devolved context, advised on public health impacts, and identified Wales-specific opportunities and risks. This includes supporting cross-government engagement, public consultation planning and implementation readiness. While the anticipated UK-EU summit has been delayed, programme planning continues, and the team remains engaged in preparedness activity to ensure Welsh policy, legislative and operational considerations are reflected as details of the SPS agreement emerge.

4.3 The team in Wales continues to support key food standards policy work, responding to Welsh stakeholder queries on allergens and food hypersensitivity and contributing to wider FSA activity linked to the National Allergy Strategy, best practice guidance and e-learning resources. We also lead the FSA’s work on food supplements, providing advice to LAs on non-compliance, publishing consumer guidance, chairing the cross-government Food Supplements Working Group and updating the LA toolkit to support effective enforcement. Alongside this work, we have continued to provide advice on a range of food compositional standards and labelling issues, including the labelling of raw milk products and cell-cultivated foods.

4.4 Work continues on proposals for a revised system of financial support for abattoirs and game handling establishments. In June, we supported a stakeholder engagement session in Cardiff for Welsh stakeholders, alongside equivalent sessions in England and Northern Ireland. Consultation on the revised proposals closed mid-June, and responses from Welsh stakeholders, together with feedback from the stakeholder session, have shaped the revised proposals and informed the relevant September Board paper.

4.5 The team has played an important role in recent EU audits of Great Britain, helping to demonstrate how official controls are delivered in Wales and supporting a consistent UK-wide response. This included coordinating evidence, providing technical and operational input, presenting to EU auditors at technical meetings, and representing FSA delivery teams during LA visits. The team supported audits covering fishery products, poultry products, beef and live bivalve molluscs.

4.6 The work of the consumer protection team in Wales was summarised in the Incident and Resilience annual report for 2025/26 presented at the June Board meeting. In 2025/26, the team were involved in 166 incidents – leading on 76 of these – representing an increase of 23% from the previous year. Over the next year, the team will focus on strengthening incidents prevention through root cause analysis to help food businesses and LAs identify why incidents occur and reduce repeat risk across the food system.

4.7 As part of our ongoing commitment and responsibilities under the Welsh Language Scheme, we continue to provide a proactive language choice and bilingual service to our consumers in Wales, including across our digital platforms and in sharing information and guidance with stakeholders. Following the submission of our Annual Monitoring Report on the progress of our services, we received highly positive feedback from the Welsh Language Commissioner regarding the quality of our practices.

4.8 We continue to deliver and amplify core FSA communications campaigns in Wales through bilingual content, Welsh voices, partner networks and Wales-specific media opportunities. Recent activity has included misinformation and disinformation content on feed additives, cell-cultivated products and food recalls, alongside food hygiene campaigns such as ‘Stop, Think, Serve’ and ‘Bacteria Love It Here’. Working with LA communications teams and using tools and channels such as bilingual toolkits, social media, events including the Eisteddfod, and Welsh media outlets ensures trusted food safety and standards messages reach consumers, businesses and stakeholders in ways that are timely, relevant and accessible in Wales.

4.9 Both the Welsh language and communications teams in Wales have played a key role in translating and migrating content to the new GOV.UK platform, ensuring that both the Wales and Welsh language content is available, accurate and treated equally alongside English language content. This work has supported the FSA’s commitment to providing a bilingual service for consumers and stakeholders in Wales, with Wales Communications colleagues also providing assistance to ensure content is clear, accessible and aligned with wider communications activity. This work has helped strengthen bilingual provision across the GOV.UK platform, and we remain committed to making further improvements wherever we can do so.

5. Forward look

5.1 The next twelve months will be particularly important for the future of food policy and regulation in Wales. The formation of a new Welsh Government, development of the National Food Strategy for Wales, implementation planning associated with SPS arrangements and ongoing challenges around local authority capacity and capability will all influence the operating environment. In response, we have identified priorities that will guide our work over the coming year and ensure the FSA remains well positioned to support the Welsh Government, consumers, businesses and delivery partners.

5.2 Over the coming months, the team in Wales will support SPS programme planning and implementation readiness, with a particular focus on Wales-specific policy, legislative and operational considerations. We will work with Defra, the Welsh Government, LAs and businesses to assess emerging proposals, support awareness and preparedness, and help ensure any future regulatory changes can be implemented consistently and effectively in Wales.

5.3 Building on the work set out earlier in this paper, we will work closely with the Welsh Government as the National Food Strategy for Wales develops. We will support the Expert Working Group, chaired by Simon Wright, and seek opportunities to ensure food safety, food standards, consumer confidence and evidence-led regulation are reflected throughout the strategy’s priorities. This represents an important opportunity to position the FSA as a key delivery partner for the Welsh Government’s wider food agenda. We will contribute evidence, consumer insight and regulatory expertise to help shape a food system that protects public health, supports sustainable economic growth and delivers benefits for communities across Wales.

5.4 In addition to supporting the priorities of the Welsh Government, we will continue to strengthen engagement with Members of the Senedd through regular updates, targeted briefings and opportunities for direct discussion on the FSA’s role and priorities in Wales. This will include our annual parliamentary event in the Senedd in early December and attendance at Y Farchnad in February 2027, both opportunities to reinforce our presence in Wales, support two-way dialogue and build understanding of our work across the food system.

5.5 We will work with LAs and delivery partners to strengthen the resilience, capability and sustainability of the food regulatory system in Wales. We will continue to strengthen our relationship with LAs in Wales through regular, purposeful engagement and practical joint working on the issues that matter most to delivery. This will include continued collaboration on the Future of Food Regulation programme, and supporting DPPW on a workforce survey to better understand capacity, capability and resourcing pressures. Together, this will provide a stronger evidence base for future planning, help target support where it is most needed, and ensure LAs remain central to shaping effective food regulation in Wales.

6. Conclusions

6.1 This paper provides a high-level overview of work that has been undertaken since the last update to the Board in September 2025, as well as current and future priorities for the FSA team in Wales.

6.2 The Board is asked to: 

• assess the effectiveness of the work in Wales to deliver FSA priorities; 
• consider the alignment of this work with the FSA’s strategic direction; and 
• provide feedback on the identified priorities