WIREDGOV

Extending the availability of Remedial Action Notices (RANs) for use in all food businesses in England has been delayed. The Food Standards Agency has yesterday written to local authorities notifying them of the delay.

Currently RANs may only be used in certain food premises, such as abattoirs and other approved premises. They are used to tackle immediate problems with hygiene in a proportionate and effective way without enforcement officers or businesses having to attend the courts. The FSA plans to extend their use to all food businesses.

The process of taking the RANs extension through government committees is taking longer than expected, and this means that the England extension will not be introduced in April 2012 as planned. The FSA still aims to introduce the England extension before to the beginning of the Olympic Games in July 2012.

The extension of RANs will be introduced in Scotland on 1 April, Northern Ireland on 6 April and Wales on 1 May, as planned.