CFA Newsletter May 2026

22 May, 2026

In this issue (click HERE to view it in full):   CFA and technical CFA-led Listeria guidance supported by FSA and FSS tops 1,500 downloads CFA on the road – spreading the word on Listeria guidance Listeria guidance media coverage Generic E. coli online database launched Red Tractor TAC: Fresh produce safety update Sewage sludge: strengthening the rules CFA website: growing reach SPS agreement negotiations: update BRCGS Issue 10: CFA at the table CFA joins UK Packaging Pact as founding signatory CFA and IFST: Special Interest Group involvement Supporting the circular economy: ENABLER project New CFA member: Kettle Produce Chilled […]

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SPS agreement negotiations: update

12 May, 2026

CFA continues to engage closely with Government on preparations for a potential SPS Agreement between the UK and the EU with the aim of easing post-Brexit trade restrictions. Karin Goodburn established and chairs the SPS Certification Working Group (www.chilledfood.org/brexit), which comprises some 30 trade and professional organisations and meets weekly with senior officials across relevant departments and agencies. A summary of legislative divergences requiring attention in the streamlining of trade has been shared with Government officials and with the Lords EU Affairs and Commons EFRA Committees. Concerns focus on the lack of clarity of precisely what legislation will be within […]

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Sewage sludge: strengthening the rules

12 May, 2026

CFA has submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on sewage sludge regulations, ahead of the March 2026 deadline. Dr Rachel Hackett led CFA’s engagement on the consultation, which proposed three options: consolidating regulations under Environmental Permitting Regulations; retaining the current structure but reviewing its content; or continuing with guidance and good practice only. CFA’s position is clear. The industry has followed the ADAS Safe Sludge Matrix – developed in the late 1990s with CFA and retailers – for over 25 years, preventing human sewage sludge from being applied to RTE crops. The Matrix has been included in every edition […]

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