Food Standards Agency - Project Open Gov

The public body responsible for food safety and food standards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Category: Public bodies and agencies Regulators

Abbreviation: FSA

Also used as: food safety regulator, food standards regulator

Official website: Visit the Food Standards Agency

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

The Food Standards Agency is responsible for food safety and food standards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its work includes food hygiene, food alerts, labelling, allergen information, meat hygiene and risk assessment. It may appear in summaries about food safety incidents, public health, trade, regulation, consumer protection and standards in the food supply chain.

Related terms

Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsThe UK Government department responsible for the environment, farming, food, rural affairs and animal welfare.Department of Health and Social CareThe UK Government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England.Environment, Food and Rural Affairs CommitteeA Commons select committee that scrutinises Defra and related environmental, farming and rural policy.