In response to the UK's food watchdog's (FSA) 'strategic plan 2005 - 2010', the National Farmer's Union said it advocated a 'whole farm approach' to regulation and enforcement and urged the FSA to facilitate simple and practical risk-based implementation of regulations.

In a statement the NFU said it believed that the farming community, as primary producers, has an "important role to play in diet, health and nutrition issues, with particular emphasis on a balanced diet".

"The co-operation of the NFU and FSA on targets for the reduction of campylobacter and salmonella levels is an example of effective partnership. Greater assessment of both the success and failure of targets should be made in order to influence future policy decisions," wrote the NFU. The 'traffic lights' approach to food labelling sends out a misleading message to consumers. No food need be avoided if it is eaten as part of a balanced diet, it continued.

"The NFU supports the FSA's continuing role as a provider of objective, science-based information and advice on food safety and nutritional issues and encourages the strengthening of its relationship with the food and farming industry," said NFU president Tim Bennett.

Bennett urged the FSA to recognise the positive role that farm assurance schemes play in demonstrating 'high standards of food production by our farmers and growers, and in achieving food safety targets'.