Conclusions
This chapter is organised around the two research objectives set for Wave 5, before presenting an overall conclusion on overall performance.
Objective 1. Attitudes Towards Regulation and Insights Into Small and Micro Food Businesses
Attitudes Towards Regulation
Businesses generally demonstrated a strong awareness of regulatory requirements and expressed a high degree of confidence in the ability of Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to maintain and improve food safety and standards. Although most businesses were aware of FSS, many reported only limited knowledge of its work, and direct engagement with the organisation over the previous year was relatively uncommon. Where contact did occur, businesses consistently described their experience in positive terms, with high ratings for clarity, ease of engagement, trustworthiness, and approachability.
Most respondents reported feeling well informed about the regulations affecting their operations, although some indicated gaps in their understanding due to limited regulator contact or the perception that certain regulatory elements had limited relevance to their activities. Local authorities remained the most frequently used source of regulatory information, supplemented by suppliers and the FSS website.
Insights Into Small and Micro Food Businesses
Operational practices among small and micro FBOs revealed areas of confidence as well as ongoing challenges. A significant proportion had undergone a food hygiene inspection within the previous year and many had also received advisory guidance or training, reinforcing their sense of being well informed. Written procedures for managing food recalls or withdrawals were common, though more complex exercises such as mock recalls were less frequently undertaken.
All relevant businesses provided allergen information to customers, using written, verbal, or combined approaches. Staff training on food safety and allergen awareness was delivered through multiple channels, including verbal briefings, formal training sessions, and online learning.
External pressures continued to affect business performance. Many businesses reported concerns linked to financial pressures, operational costs, and changing consumer behaviour. Recruitment challenges persisted, particularly in securing specialist roles and customer facing staff. Digital engagement was widespread in the form of social media use, but comparatively few businesses used online systems to take orders or relied on third party platforms. Awareness of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit remained low, and only a small minority had experienced food crime facing staff. Digital engagement was widespread in the form of social media use, but comparatively few businesses used online systems to take orders or relied on third party platforms. Awareness of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit remained low, and only a small minority had experienced food crime. Digital engagement was widespread in the form of social media use, but comparatively few businesses used online systems to take orders or relied on third‑party platforms. Awareness of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit remained low, and only a small minority had experienced food crime.
Objective 2. Trust in the FSA as a Modern and Accountable Regulator
Trust in FSS was consistently strong among businesses familiar with the organisation. Respondents expressed confidence that FSS works effectively to uphold food safety and standards. Businesses generally believed that FSS strives to communicate clearly and operate in a way that supports compliance. However, lower levels of confidence were evident among businesses engaged in online trading, who were less assured that FSS fully understood their business needs or communicated effectively across the food sector.
Despite this, the overall picture suggests that FSS is regarded as a dependable and credible regulator. Businesses that had direct contact with the organisation reported positive experiences, reinforcing perceptions of FSS as accessible and transparent.
Overall Conclusion
The findings from the survey indicate that small and micro FBOs in Scotland demonstrate strong levels of confidence in FSS and feel well supported in meeting their regulatory obligations. Businesses generally maintain effective operational practices, particularly in allergen management and food safety processes, although more advanced procedures such as mock recalls remain less established.
External pressures, including financial constraints, staffing challenges, and shifts in customer behaviour, continue to shape the operating landscape. Nevertheless, the overall relationship between FSS and the businesses it regulates is characterised by trust, positive engagement, and confidence in the regulator’s commitment to upholding food safety and standards. The findings suggest that there may be varying levels of awareness of FSS resources, engagement with regulatory communication, and understanding of recall guidance and allergen management practices among businesses.
Link to Food Standards Agency report
The Food Standards Agency carried out parallel research in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.