In the light of the increase in distance selling by
reason of better technology (i.e. the internet) and the reduction
in trade boundaries, the Food Standards Agency has commissioned the
Food Advisory Committee (FAC):
"To review the extent to which
recent developments in food/feed purchases over the internet may
have created extra problems not associated with traditional forms
of retail sale."
It was requested that particular consideration be
given to the implications for advertising and the labelling of
products. Specific areas of advice were requested in relation
to:
- any areas where current controls are insufficient;
- any advice or guidance that should be given to consumers
purchasing goods in this way;
- guidance on how local authorities might check on the legality
of internet sales; and
- any recommendations of best practice for industry.
In the light of these specific areas of enquiry,
the FCA put forward the following subject matters for comment:
1.UK Regulations: Are UK
Regulations being by-passed by products being purchased from
foreign suppliers?
2.Consumer information: Should
internet and mail order customers be provided with the same
information as provided via the labelling requirements when a
product is bought from a shop?
3.Deterioration during
transit: Are there adequate safeguards to ensure safety?
4.Claims: Are consumers being
misled?
5.Enforcement: What
difficulties are enforcement authorities encountering?
The closing date for comments on the above is 29th
June 2001 and the letter setting out all these points in more
detail, along with the list of its recipients, is available on the
Food Standards Agency's website.
For further information please contact Jessica Burt
by e-mail at jessica.burt@cms-cmck.com or by telephone on +44 (0)
20 7367 3589.