Uncertain future for food safety body

THE new Food Safety Authority of Ireland, an independent body set up to police food inspection within the State, faces an uncertain future. FSA representatives are expected to meet the Minister of Health, Mr Cowen, on its possible role within days.

The FSA was established in the wake of the BSE crisis and several food scares last year. It had begun to recruit expert staff and announced an ambitious programme of food monitoring and research.

It was to be granted unprecedented powers, including the power to demand that a food premises be closed or a food item be withdrawn from the market. Legislation, although drawn up, was not brought before the Dail during the rainbow coalition's last weeks.

The Fianna Fail manifesto proposed bringing inspection staff from various agencies - including the Department of Agriculture and Food, local authorities and health boards - under a "food quality authority". The Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats programme for government renamed it as the Food Safety and Quality Authority. It would report to the Minister for Health. The FSA is expected to meet Mr Cowen "within the next few days" to clarify its role pending the development of the new agency, according to a consultant administrator, Mr John Kerrigan.

Fianna Fail sources indicate the Government is to appraise the FSA and incorporate what are considered "good building blocks" within its structure into the Food Safety and Quality Authority. A Minister of State for Food affiliated to the Department of Agriculture is to be appointed.