Updated “Tell AIC” and new FSA “Food Crime Confidential” Number
AIC Services has updated the "Tell AIC" pages of its website to improve the user experience and clarify the process for reporting a concern or registering a complaint about an AIC Trade Assurance Participant.
Improvements include modifications to the complaints process description and a new secure online form to submit complaints.
Anyone can use this confidential service if they become aware of activities of an AIC Trade Assurance Participant that have the potential to affect:
- Human or animal health through contamination or adulteration of the feed food chain
- Fertiliser safety or security
- The integrity of the biofuels supply chain
- Safety of seed treatment application
- Any other issue which has the potential to undermine the reputation of the Agri-supply sector
The key changes to the complaints process are to emphasise the confidentiality of the system, and the protection afforded to whistleblowers.
The reports made using the new online form are held securely with only AIC employees involved in the complaints process having access to the information.
FSA hotline updated
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), has also updated the details for the National Food Crime Unit confidential hotline.
The phone number during office hours is now 0800 028 1180 (for overseas/non-UK mobile users +44 207 276 8787).
Further information, including a secure online form (also for use outside of office hours) can be found on the FSA website.
Suspected food crimes committed in Scotland, should be reported to Food Standards Scotland (FSS) via the Scottish Food Crime Hotline on 0800 028 7926, via an online form or through direct email to the Food Crime team [email protected].
Author
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.