Julian Smith

The government is committed to making teaching a profession where all teachers, including those with disabilities, have equal opportunities to progress. This includes designing our world-class programmes such as the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications to support teachers from diverse backgrounds. We expect schools, like all employers, to discharge their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and give due consideration to the way their employment practices affect staff at different stages of their careers.

To this end, we are improving data collection on disability within the teaching profession to better understand their barriers to success. In 2023, the department published a report on barriers to collecting disability data and have since enhanced guidance for schools on the School Workforce Census and conducted additional research via the School and College Panel and the Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders Study.

Additionally, the forthcoming Race Equality Act will require public services, including schools, to report data on staffing, pay, and outcomes by disability status, further promoting inclusivity. The department will support schools and multi-academy trusts to meet these requirements when they come into force.

The department is taking time to consider the various funding formulae that the department and local authorities use to allocate funding for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is important that there is a fair education funding system that directs funding to where it is needed.

Budgets for the 2025/26 financial year have not yet been set, meaning that decisions on the high needs and schools national funding formulae and the publication of allocations for that year are not to the usual timescales. The department will publish information as soon as possible, after the Budget later in October.

The department’s aim is to deliver better life chances for all, through a system which works for all.

The department knows that some parents have struggled to get the right support for their children, particularly through a long and difficult education, health and care (EHC) plan process. We will work across the sector to provide support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those needing alternative provision, and their families. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and alternative provision settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

The department wants to ensure that EHC plan applications are processed promptly and, where required, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need. The department has listened to a wide range of relevant stakeholders, such as children and young people, parents, schools, colleges and local authorities and their partners, and it is reflecting on what practice could be made consistent nationally.

The department recognises that many local authorities are facing challenges in managing their high needs budgets, which has impacted their ability to balance their Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. We will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to deliver our shared mission and restore parents’ trust, including considering how we can help councils manage the impacts of DSG deficits on their finances.

The department has taken action to help those authorities with deficits and will continue to do so. It has published guidance on good practice and provided help and advice through direct contact with all those authorities that have deficits. High needs deficit intervention programmes are designed to improve SEND services by making the very best use of resources to deliver the support that children and young people need. Where additional support is required in a local area, particularly following an Area SEND Inspection, the department commissions specialist SEND Advisors and Commissioners to support local authorities to build on existing strengths and address areas of weakness in local provision.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has made regulations which ring-fence DSG deficits from councils’ wider financial positions in their statutory accounts. This is a temporary accounting measure, currently in operation to March 2026, and it is still crucial that local authorities’ high needs systems move to a more sustainable position in the near future.

Budgets for the 2025/26 financial year will be set in the forthcoming Spending Review.

Funding to support local authorities in fulfilling their statutory obligations under part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to inspect potential contaminated sites and to seek remediation where required, remains in the form of the Revenue Support Grant.

The Revenue Support Grant is an unringfenced block grant covering many services. It is up to local authorities to decide how much funding is allocated to any service based on local priorities and they are held to account locally.

Through the Water and Abandoned Metal Mines Programme - a partnership between Defra, the Environment Agency and the Coal Authority - government is taking action to develop mine water treatment schemes and diffuse interventions to prevent metals from abandoned metal mines, including lead, entering local river systems. Pollution from abandoned metal mines can contaminate land, such as when spoil heaps contaminated by these mines wash into rivers following heavy rainfall, prior to wash onto agricultural floodplains following flooding events. Many diffuse interventions include natural flood management measures to slow the flow of rivers, along with planting of trees and other vegetation which sequester carbon dioxide in soils.

Local Authorities have the duty to inspect their Areas to identify contaminated land, including land contaminated by lead. If a Local Authority had concerns about land contamination, then they have relevant duties and powers under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate and require the responsible person(s) to carry out remediation if they identify any contaminated land.

The impact of flooding on areas of land with historical levels of lead contamination is a matter for local councils to consider under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Local councils have the duty to inspect their areas to identify contaminated land including land contaminated by lead. In the context of flooding, this would cover situations where lead is washed from rivers or sediments onto floodplains or existing lead contamination on land is impacted by flooding.

The Environment Agency (EA) does have a role in tackling water pollution, including pollution from metals. Discharges from abandoned metal mines are one the main sources of metals in our rivers, polluting around 1,500kms (around 3% of English Rivers). In 2023, a target was set to reduce the length of rivers polluted by metals from abandoned metal mines by half by 2038. Lead is one of the 6 target metals. The EA are working with the Coal Authority under Defra’s Water and Abandoned Metal Mines (WAMM) Programme to identify and tackle the priority discharges.

So far 140 tonnes of target metals have been prevented from entering rivers through diffuse interventions and treatment schemes, but a 10-fold increase will be required in the WAMM Programme to meet the statutory target by 2038.

The levels of lead testing in the United Kingdom are determined in accordance with legislative requirements which provide food safety assurances to both domestic consumers as well as export markets. Sampling levels are reviewed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) each year to ensure that they are proportionate to livestock production; of note, the VMD has effectively tripled annual lead testing for sheep and bovine animals from 2024 to provide further guarantees on safety of these foodstuffs. The results of said testing are published by VMD on a quarterly basis and can be found on the VMD’s GOV.UK webpage here.

Defra officials and Ministers have regular meetings with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) where a range of issues are discussed and I last met with Professor Susan Jebb on 5 September. Ministers have had no specific discussions on this with the Committee on Toxicity or the FSA.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher. Scoping work has started, including considering what, if any, additional evidence and data may be required.

The FSA has not undertaken a specific estimation of the risk of lead contamination in silage or animal feed. However, in conjunction with the National Farmers Union, the FSA has provided advice to farmers to mitigate against lead entering the food chain, and how to avoid lead contamination. In addition, maximum levels for undesirable substances in products intended for animal feed have been established in Schedule 4 of the Animal Feed (Composition, Marketing and Use) (England) Regulations 2015, with further information on the regulations available at the following link:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/255/schedule/4

This includes levels for lead in feed materials and forage, which includes hay and silage. Any product which exceeds these limits is not permitted to be placed on the market. These regulations are enforced by local authorities. Under animal feed legislation, feed businesses, which include farmers, are responsible for making sure the feed they produce is safe for the animals it is intended for.

The impact of flooding on areas of land with historical levels of lead contamination is a matter for local councils to consider under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. They have the duty to inspect their areas to identify contaminated land. This would cover situations where lead is washed from rivers or sediments onto floodplains or where existing lead contamination on land is impacted by flooding. Lead may be discharged into rivers from abandoned metal mines and the Environment Agency is working with the Coal Authority under the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ Water and Abandoned Metal Mines Programme to identify and tackle the priority discharges.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher. Scoping work has started, including considering what, if any, additional evidence and data may be required.

The FSA has not undertaken a specific estimation of the risk of lead contamination in silage or animal feed. However, in conjunction with the National Farmers Union, the FSA has provided advice to farmers to mitigate against lead entering the food chain, and how to avoid lead contamination. In addition, maximum levels for undesirable substances in products intended for animal feed have been established in Schedule 4 of the Animal Feed (Composition, Marketing and Use) (England) Regulations 2015, with further information on the regulations available at the following link:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/255/schedule/4

This includes levels for lead in feed materials and forage, which includes hay and silage. Any product which exceeds these limits is not permitted to be placed on the market. These regulations are enforced by local authorities. Under animal feed legislation, feed businesses, which include farmers, are responsible for making sure the feed they produce is safe for the animals it is intended for.

The impact of flooding on areas of land with historical levels of lead contamination is a matter for local councils to consider under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. They have the duty to inspect their areas to identify contaminated land. This would cover situations where lead is washed from rivers or sediments onto floodplains or where existing lead contamination on land is impacted by flooding. Lead may be discharged into rivers from abandoned metal mines and the Environment Agency is working with the Coal Authority under the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ Water and Abandoned Metal Mines Programme to identify and tackle the priority discharges.

The Department expects to publish a response to the consultation this year. Work is ongoing across the Department, the UK Health Security Agency, NHS England, and the Office for National Statistics to agree and align proposals following the feedback from users.

Any resulting changes to statistical publications will be made in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. The timings of each of these will vary by publication.

The Department is strongly committed to upholding the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, and its three constituent pillars of trustworthiness, quality, and value. As such, the Department is committed to releasing timely data at a frequency that meets the needs of users, as far as practicable.

For example, over the winter, NHS England increased the frequency of its publications of data on urgent and emergency care, in response to the increased need for this data at this time.

The Heads of Profession for Statistics in the Department and its arm’s-length bodies ensure that statistical producers continually review their products and improve the quality and frequency of publication, in line with the needs of the users of data and statistics.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.

Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.

Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.

The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.

The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.

Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.

The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.

The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.

Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.

The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.

The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.

Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.

The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.

The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.

Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.

The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.