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Minutes of the Retail Forum - 21st March 2024

Members Present

  • Claire Briody, Tesco
  • Ash Stretton, M&S
  • Clare Walsh, RGDATA
  • Jen Miller, Aldi
  • Joanne Barry, Barrys
  • Elaine Clohosey, 
  • Lucy O’Connor, Musgrave
  • Ciara Kane
  • Samira Nicolo
  • Catherine Poole, Aldi
  • Claire Briody, Tesco
  • Stephen Ohri, Boots
  • Kate Butler
  • Dimitrios Vouris, Dunnes  

FSAI Staff Present

  • Rob Phillips
  • Alison Connor
  • Kristin Anderson
  • Sinéad O’Mahony
  • Cristina Arroyo-Casabona
  • Sinéad Murphy
  • Clodagh Crehan
  • Michelle Minihan
  • Shaun Smyth

1. Welcome and Apologies

Rob welcomed everyone and gave an update on the many staff changes within FSAI.  Rob welcomed Cristina Arroyo-Casabona who will cover Elaine Madden while she is on leave.  Rob wished Nuala Collins well in her retirement and congratulated Sinéad O’Mahony who has been appointed to the role.

2. Draft Minutes 10th October 2023

The draft minutes were approved.

  • There is no update on alcohol wines.

3. Reformulation

Sinéad O’Mahony gave a presentation on reformulation and asked all members to check they are receiving updates from the FSAI.  

FSAI will provide feedback on the monitoring results in Q2 and Q3.  There is a collaboration event planned for Q4. FSAI once again thanked the Forum for their facilitation and help with this important work.

Actions:

  • Members to arrange 1:1 meeting with FSAI.
  • Members to consider the request to share data.
  • Members to allow FSAI access to their stores in May/July (FSAI will send a letter requesting access).
  • Member to complete the survey.

4. SFI Fellowship

Kirstin Anderson is a resident research fellow and discussed behavioural science in terms of individuals interacting with their environment, why people behave the way they do, how choices are made. KA explained that behavioural science looks at what the best way is to do answer these questions by policies and initiatives so ultimately businesses understand their consumers. 

FSAI is looking at how to promote good hygiene and is currently exploring the efficacy of a rating scheme. 

5. Scientific Committee – Workplan 

Rob reported that the Scientific Committee will undertake a comparative study of Food  Safety Rating Schemes in other jurisdictions. This work is in development and the Retail Forum will be part of the consultation phase.

6. Windsor Framework

Clodagh provided an update on the Windsor Framework and reported that FSAI is capturing and monitoring all different divergence issues.

7. Food Incidents – Infant Formula

Rob welcomed Michelle Minihan, Director of Audit & Investigations and Shaun Smyth, Incident Manager to the meeting.  FSAI gave an update on the Infant Formula Incident and asked the Members to review their stock rotation policies and if infant formula was being dealt with differently.  FSAI reported the issue was not a single store and was more widespread.  The Members reported that they have received difference advice from EHS.

Actions:

  • FSAI will engage with BWG separately after the meeting.

8. AOB

Glycerol Slushies

Discussions are continuing with the EU Commission.  It was raised at an EU Commission meeting 23-24 January and the commission will consult with EFSA.  

Actions:

  • FSAI will circulate the contact information for the Coeliac Society.

Lectins

There have been several incidents.  Details are on the FSAI website.

Actions:

  • FSAI will provide an update at the next meeting (if available).

Online Food Business & eCommerce Forum

FSAI is developing an Online Food Business & eCommerce Forum to develop policy in this area.  
Actions:

  • FSAI will give a presentation at the next meeting.
  • FSAI will correspond with Members regarding participation in this new Forum.

Marketing Standards for Fruit & Vegetables

FSAI is awaiting a response from the EU Commission.

Actions:

  • Please contact FSAI via the adviceline if you have any issues.

Tethered Caps

A member raised this topic to facilitate discussion regarding difficulty complying with the deadline. 
Actions:

  • FSAI will contact the Department of the Environment to open communication channels.