The CA estimates that the real number of food poisoning cases could be 30 times as high as the official figure. It says the fact that so many cases go unreported mean that the food industry has been allowed to get away with bad practice. Food poisoning will be the first subject under the microscope, but the CA will also investigate other areas of food safety such as the use of pesticides and chemical contaminants. The FSA has already pledged to make combating food poisoning a top priority. Producers, processors, caterers and retailers all have some responsibility to take active steps to ensure substantial improvements in food safety.
Action is needed across all stages of the food chain if the situation is to improve.
Procedures for reporting and dealing with food poisoning must also be improved.