CFA’s Annual Report for the calendar year 2022 has been published summarising key activities and aims including:

• EU Listeria micro criteria: Established and leading Industry Listeria Group engaged with UK
  Government and internationally with industry in readiness for EU consultation on potential changes to
  requirements. Developed lobbying strategy and summarised evidence base including guidance on
  effective environmental sampling. Aiming to retain current effective food safety measures.
• Lm Biome: Developed validated microbiological method to assess microbial reduction efficacy. Partner
  in CPS-funded project with CEBAS (starting 1/1/23).
• Incoming raw material positives: impacts assessed (person days, cost) to help focus best practice
  development.
• Brexit: Composite products focus. Established and leading SPS Certification WG of industry, certifiers
  and Port Health engaging with Government resolving issues and supporting eCertification
  development. Tracking & reporting on EHC applications, certifier burden & costs.
• Briefing documents published on: raw RTE beetroot and onion safety best practice, relevance of
  generic E. coli and STEC testing to food safety, ethical employment in agriculture and food production
  and sustainability in agriculture and fresh produce.
• Vac Pack/MAP foods: CFA gave evidence to the ACMSF’s risk review of original 1992 guidance, aiming
  for retention of flexibility for SUSSLE and removal of non-science-based rules.
• CFA Board: membership criteria reviewed and Board refreshed.

CFA’s priorities for 2023 cover:

• Education/skills
• Building knowledge
• Lobbying for positive change
• External engagement
• Knowledge transfer