Safety of farmers' markets scrutinised
operation to be generally high with only a few small improvements
needed, according to a recent review.
A review of farmers' markets in Scotland has found standards of operation to be generally high with only a few small improvements needed, writes the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) this week.
The review was carried out by the Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC) after concerns were raised that standards at farmers' markets were not as high as those at other food outlets.
In their report published this week, SFAC paints a positive picture of farmers' markets and concludes that they are "well-organised and well-managed".
Some improvements have been recommended to the Food Standards Agency Scotland for consideration. They include: a more consistent approach to licensing at markets, including the possibility of new licensing laws; measures to ensure best practice by enforcement officers when inspecting markets; the promotion of hygiene training for all stallholders and their staff, using the standards for outlets selling the same goods as a benchmark.
The Agency is currently considering whether further guidance on food safety at farmers' markets is required and the SFAC recommendations will assist this work by allowing the FSA take into account specific Scottish circumstances.
Anne Campbell, who led the SFAC review, said:"Farmers' markets are a rapidly developing and distinctive part of the food retail industry. Overall the markets are well-organised and well-managed. Nevertheless, there is scope for continued improvement in some areas of their operation, their facilities and their regulation. We are therefore making several recommendations to FSA Scotland, which we believe will benefit consumers, stallholders and enforcers."
SFAC undertook the review with the aim to ensure hat consumers who shop at farmers' markets are offered the same level of protection as those who shop at other retail outlets.
Farmers' markets began in Scotland in 1999 and since then have become well-established in many parts of the country, with over 30 in existence when the review began last year. They are regarded as having an important role in the diversification of the rural economy.
