As the foot-and-mouth epidemic comes under control, attention is turning to the question of what caused the outbreak and how future recurrences might be prevented. In a recent article in the journal Nature Dr Eileen Rubery, a lecturer at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, argued that it was time for a systematic review of the whole food production chain, including farming practices.
As the foot-and-mouth epidemic comes under control, attention is turning to the question of what caused the outbreak and how future recurrences might be prevented. In a recent article in the journal Nature Dr Eileen Rubery, a lecturer at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, argued that it was time for a systematic review of the whole food production chain, including farming practices.
As the foot-and-mouth epidemic comes under control, attention is turning to the question of what caused the outbreak and how future recurrences might be prevented. In a recent article in the journal Nature Dr Eileen Rubery, a lecturer at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, argued that it was time for a systematic review of the whole food production chain, including farming practices.
Already some changes are being put in place - this week MAFF have announced a ban on feeding catering waste containing meat as swill to livestock - but Dr Rubery says piecemeal reform is not enough: "The farming community and the food industry must work together to develop a holistic approach to food production. Right from the first, risk assessments and cost-benefits analyses need to be considered from the viewpoint of their effect on food safety and animal health at all points in the food chain."
Dr Rubery is an expert adviser to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and believes that it is time for the year-old agency to make its mark: "The FSA's review of BSE controls was its first success. The almost revolutionary openness with which it conducted the review, and the degree of public involvement both demonstrate that the FSA is beginning to fulfill its role as an independent voice for the consumer. Now it needs to turn its attention to a big issue - a review of on-farm and, in particular, food-animal practices, to determine how food safety can be improved from 'birth (or planting) to plate'."
If the FSA is to conduct such a wide-ranging review it will first have to assert its authority in the area of 'on-farm' practices. Consumer groups had lobbied for this to be part of the FSA's remit; the Agency now needs to exercise these responsibilities effectively to make a real difference in food safety. "A review of how we produce safe, high-quality food should be sponsored by the FSA which is independent and consumer-focused, rather than the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food," says Dr Rubery.
By conducting a high-profile review of food production practices the UK could improve its international reputation. Dr Rubery believes that the European Community is likely to conduct such a review and that by leading the way with its own national study, the UK could improve its standing among its European neighbours.
Dr Eileen Rubery is a highly experienced policy maker who has advised ministers on health policy for over 15 years. In the public health area, she has experience of policy related to radiation protection (including Sellafield, leukemias and Chernobyl), salmonella and eggs, listeria, HIV/AIDS immunisation and communicable diseases, health promotion and disease protection, BSE/CJD including issues relating to the BSE Inquiry, food safety and the FSA.
She acts as Expert Adviser to the Food Standards Agency on Food Safety and Standards issues from time to time, especially those relating to BSE/CJD and other health-related issues. She has been a member of the General Medical Council's Professional Conduct Committee since January 2001.
Useful links
Food Standards Agency
Judge Busness School
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