Implement the new Food Law proportionately

This year, the States Assembly agreed new regulations to enact a new Food Law. This will introduce a licensing scheme for all food producers, from pubs serving crisps to butchers and farmers.

The intentions of this are well meaning, and some elements of it such as better allergen labelling should be welcomed.

As a member of the Environment Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, we scrutinised the new law and found that it is at risk of over-regulating. Charities, community groups and even hedge veg stalls are at risk of needing licensing, and the fees that go with it (Some proposed to be up to £500 per year for a single business). Our report captured this, and my speeches in the Assembly show a record of pushing for a proportionate approach.

As we move to implementation, we must ensure that guidelines and processes secure what really matters from our food operators, and doesn’t impose costs which aren’t needed, as these hit smaller businesses hardest.