Food safety alerts are issued by the UK Food Standards Agency or The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) to report food safety issues to food safety authorities, the food industry and members of the public. These alerts may also relate to allergies or compositional issues.

When a problem has been identified with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides food safety authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.

Depending on the nature of the alert, the Environmental Agency may contact and advise suppliers and retailers to ensure that the food product is withdrawn and some form of press release may be produced to advise the general public. Food Safety Alerts are also posted on our social media pages.

If suppliers or retailers do not voluntarily withdraw the affected product, then the Environmental Agency may take enforcement action.