FSS Strategy – A safe, authentic and healthier food environment that Scotland can trust

We are pleased to introduce Food Standards Scotland’s Strategy for 2026–2031, which sets out our vision for a food system that is safe, authentic and healthier - and above all, one that Scotland can trust. 

This strategy is rooted in our unwavering commitment to the people of Scotland. Consumers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s protecting public health from foodborne illness, improving dietary outcomes, or ensuring food is labelled accurately and produced responsibly, our work is driven by the need to serve and safeguard the public. We are here to ensure that everyone in Scotland - regardless of background or circumstance - can have confidence in the food they eat. 

The past five years have brought profound change to the food landscape. The UK’s exit from the European Union, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing impacts of climate change have reshaped the way food is produced, regulated and consumed. At the same time, new technologies, shifting consumer behaviours and evolving trade relationships have introduced fresh challenges and opportunities. In this context, our role as Scotland’s independent food body has never been more vital. 

This strategy builds on the strong foundations laid since our establishment in 2015. It reflects our continued independence from government and industry, our direct accountability to the Scottish Parliament, and our commitment to transparency, fairness and evidence-based decision making. Our work is grounded in robust science and data and shaped by the lived experiences and concerns of consumers across Scotland. 

Over the next five years, we will strengthen our leadership in public health nutrition, recognising that Scotland continues to face significant challenges in diet-related health. Too many of Scotland’s adults remain overweight or obese, and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers continue to place a heavy burden on individuals, families and the NHS. We will publish clear, accessible advice and transparent data on Scotland’s diet, and work with partners to create a healthier food environment that supports positive change. 

We will also reform and modernise the way food law is delivered in Scotland. Our intention is to build a regulatory system that is efficient, proportionate and trusted - one that supports responsible businesses to thrive, while ensuring robust enforcement where standards are not met. This includes developing a more targeted approach to compliance, improving consistency across food law delivery, and supporting the transition to a model that is more sustainable and better aligned with the needs of consumers. 

Digital transformation will be central to our strategy. Wherever possible, we will continue to invest in data science and digital technologies that allow us to collect, analyse and share information more effectively. This will help us to identify emerging risks, measure impact, and respond quickly to changes in the food system. It will also enable us to communicate more clearly with the public, tailoring our messages to different audiences and ensuring that our advice is inclusive, accessible and trusted. 

We recognise that the food system is not just about safety and standards — it is also about sustainability, equity and resilience. Our strategy takes full account of the Scottish Government’s ambitions for a Good Food Nation and the transition to Net Zero. We will work to ensure that our policies and actions support a food system that is environmentally responsible, socially just, and capable of adapting to future challenges. 

Above all, we will continue to put consumers first. We will listen to the public, engage with communities across Scotland, and ensure that our work reflects the issues that matter most to Scottish consumers. We will expand our reach to marginalised and low-income groups and use social research to better understand how the food environment affects people’s choices, behaviours and health outcomes. 

Food Standards Scotland exists to help protect the people of Scotland. This strategy sets out how we will continue to do that - by safeguarding public health, promoting healthier diets, and ensuring that the food system works for everyone. We look forward to working with our partners, stakeholders and the public to deliver this vision over the next five years.