Food Standards Act 1999 (c. 28)

(1) There shall be a body to be called the Food Standards Agency or, in Welsh, yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (referred to in this Act as “ the Agency ”) for the purpose of carrying out the functions conferred on it by or under this Act. (2) The main objective of the Agency in carrying out its functions is to protect public health from risks which may arise in connection with the consumption of food (including risks caused by the way in which it is produced or supplied) and otherwise to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food. (3) The functions of the Agency are performed on behalf of the Crown. Commencement Information I1 S. 1 wholly in force at 1.4.2000; s. 1 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 43(2) ; s. 1(1) in force at 11.1.2000 by S.I. 2000/92 , art. 2(a) ; s. 1 in force at 1.4.2000 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2000/1066 , art. 2

(1) The Agency shall consist of a chairman and deputy chairman and not less than eight or more than twelve other members, of whom— (a) one member shall be appointed by the National Assembly for Wales; (b) two members shall be appointed by the Scottish Ministers; (c) one member shall be appointed by the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland; and (d) the others shall be appointed by the Secretary of State. (2) The chairman and deputy chairman shall be appointed by the appropriate authorities acting jointly and, before appointing a person as one of the other members of the Agency the authority making the appointment shall consult the other appropriate authorities. (3) Before appointing a person as chairman, deputy chairman or member of the Agency, the authorities or authority making the appointment shall— (a) have regard to the desirability of securing that a variety of skills and experience is available among the members of the Agency (including experience in matters related to food safety or other interests of consumers in relation to food); and (b) consider whether any person it is proposed to appoint has any financial or other interest which is likely to prejudice the exercise of his duties. (4) Schedule 1 (constitution etc. of the Agency) has effect.