EFSIS has recently launched a new inspection standard for small producers of high quality local food, which guarantees food safety assurance standards for consumers, but without undue red tape.

It recognises a need for a standard which would ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and relevant legislation, while applying a common-sense approach specifically designed for small operators. In the absence of a standard of this type, these producers tended to rely on local authority trading standards or environmental health officers for guidance on compliance issues.

The new Standard has only 20 sections, compared with 36 in the EFSIS Standard, but food safety and legal issues are still paramount. Approval will be granted only upon evidence of adherence to good manufacturing principles and HACCP.