Britain’s largest food retailers may face increased national scrutiny under new plans proposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA board has backed the next stage of proposals, which would subject a small number of the country’s largest food businesses to national oversight.
The changes aim to give regulators a clearer view of risks across major retailers’ extensive supply chains, using more data and intelligence alongside existing inspections. A trial with retailers demonstrated that national-level analysis of company data could help identify systemic food safety risks.
The government asked the FSA to develop a national regulatory model for large food businesses in England, initially focusing on major retailers. The proposals include changes to the way food businesses register, allowing regulators to focus more closely on higher-risk businesses.
The FSA is also considering stronger enforcement powers for local food teams and clearer guidance to create a more consistent approach to regulation. Food hygiene ratings would become more prominent, with the FSA proposing to make it compulsory for businesses to display ratings online and in shops and restaurants in England.
FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb said the existing food safety system has served the country well for many years but needs to adapt to major changes in how food is produced, sold, and bought. Local authority food teams would remain central to the system, while national scrutiny of major businesses could provide additional protection for consumers.
The FSA will work with local authorities, food businesses, and other industry partners to develop the plans in greater detail. A fuller package of proposals is expected to return to the FSA board in March 2027, before a public consultation later that year. Ministers will ultimately decide whether the reforms go ahead.
According to the FSA, more than 99.5 per cent of food businesses are micro, small or medium-sized, while more than 97 per cent of food sold through shops is handled by 10 national retailers, highlighting the scale and influence of the country’s largest grocers. This indicates that the proposed reforms could have a significant impact on the food industry, as they would affect a large proportion of food sales.
