6. Conclusions
This research highlights the essential role that guidance plays in supporting food businesses to meet food safety and standards requirements and helping food law professionals to perform their role effectively.
However, the research also highlights the need to increase the reach and impact of FSS guidance. Awareness of FSS as an organisation is low among food businesses. Many use FSS guidance, but often assume it comes from local authorities. This lack of visibility limits opportunities for FSS to build relationships with businesses and promote the full range of available guidance, and means food law professionals are called upon to provide clarification for practical implementation of guidance.
Across food businesses, guidance is widely used to ensure daily compliance, particularly in small and independent businesses where owners and managers are hands-on and responsible for everything from food preparation to training and record-keeping. However, guidance is not always regularly or proactively sought; for several long-standing businesses, there is a sense that change over time has been limited, meaning guidance is not required. Food law professionals play an essential role in providing food businesses with guidance, particularly guidance and tools created by FSS, with food businesses also using a range of other sources.
Food businesses familiar with FSS guidance feel it is relevant, comprehensive and easy to understand. CookSafe provides businesses with a clear structure for managing food safety and is often described as the foundation of compliance routines. The availability of free, accessible training, such as the online allergen training, was widely welcomed, helping businesses upskill staff and providing reassurance about an issue that causes some food businesses concern. Food law professionals view FSS guidance as high quality and use it to support inspections, advise businesses, and ensure consistency in enforcement. Both businesses and food law professionals appreciate the coverage of existing guidance; relatively few gaps were identified, and those tended to be about emerging or innovative types of cooking and businesses.
There is a desire for guidance that reflects the diversity of business types and risk profiles, which could include more sector-specific or scalable guidance that feels more relevant to individual businesses, using digital solutions, for instance, to facilitate this. CookSafe, for example, is widely used but often adapted or condensed by businesses to make it more manageable or tailored to their needs. While this is sometimes done with the support of food law professionals, it presents a risk of inconsistent application of guidance and standards. While they feel that existing resources are generally helpful for businesses, some food law professionals requested more detailed guidance to support their work and decision-making.
The format and accessibility of FSS guidance are also key issues. While the content is generally seen as clear and easy to understand, the volume and format of some guidance can be a barrier to use, particularly for smaller businesses with limited time, staff or technical knowledge. While there was some support for digital resources, the value of paper or printed materials is still evident in kitchens or production facilities, highlighting the continued need for multiple formats.
A need for improved communication between FSS and food businesses was also evident. Several businesses feel they already have a high level of understanding of what they need to do to ensure compliance, but still need to be made aware of any changes to legislation and guidance. Many rely on food law professionals or word of mouth to stay informed, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
In summary, FSS guidance is a trusted and essential resource, but there is room to improve how it is presented, promoted and tailored. By simplifying formats, expanding accessibility, and strengthening communication, FSS can ensure its guidance is easier to use and more widely recognised, and in turn improve compliance.