The Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025
Overview
The Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 update the existing framework for the enforcement of food safety and animal health standards in the UK. These amendments aim to improve the effectiveness of official controls by enhancing monitoring systems, tightening compliance requirements, and introducing new technology for better traceability. The regulations focus on maintaining high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and public health while aligning with international standards.
Key provisions include:
- Enhanced Monitoring and Inspections: The regulations require more frequent and detailed inspections of food businesses, including stricter monitoring of food safety practices and traceability systems. Businesses will be subject to random checks and audits to ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and animal welfare standards.
- Technology Integration for Traceability: New provisions mandate the use of digital technologies to track and trace food products and animal products throughout the supply chain. This improves transparency and helps quickly identify issues in case of food-borne outbreaks or animal health problems.
- Strengthened Compliance and Reporting: Businesses will need to report on their compliance with food safety standards more regularly. This includes submitting documentation on product testing, hygiene practices, and animal welfare measures. Companies will be required to adopt better record-keeping practices to facilitate inspections and audits.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: The amendments introduce stricter penalties for businesses that fail to comply with food safety and animal health regulations. This includes higher fines, suspension of operations, or revocation of licenses for repeat offenders.
The Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 came into force on the 10th of February 2025 and apply to the UK.
Do the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 affect my business?
The implications of these Regulations will have the certain consequences on businesses, particularly for those in the exporting and importing, food, livestock and agriculture sectors:
- Increased Compliance Costs: Businesses in the food production, distribution, and retail sectors will face higher costs associated with more frequent inspections, reporting requirements, and the implementation of new traceability technologies. However, these costs can be mitigated by the improved efficiency and reduced risks associated with better compliance and monitoring systems.
- Improved Safety and Risk Management: The regulations will help businesses manage food safety and animal welfare risks more effectively, reducing the likelihood of contamination incidents, product recalls, and reputational damage.
- Reputational and Market Advantages: Companies that comply with the regulations and demonstrate a commitment to food safety and animal welfare will likely gain a competitive edge. Consumers increasingly prefer businesses that prioritise transparency and safety in their supply chains.
While businesses may face higher costs related to compliance and reporting, the long-term benefits of reduced risk, better operational efficiency, and improved consumer trust will support the regulations’ positive impact on public health and the food industry.
Do I need the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 in my ISO Compliance Register?
The Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 will affect the following businesses and sectors:
- Food Producers and Manufacturers: Businesses involved in the production and manufacturing of food and animal products will be directly impacted by the regulations, as they must implement enhanced safety protocols and traceability measures.
- Retailers and Distributors: Retailers and food distributors will need to ensure that the products they sell meet the new traceability requirements and undergo regular inspections to maintain compliance.
- Transport and Logistics Companies: Companies in the transport and logistics sectors, particularly those dealing with perishable goods, will be affected by the new regulations on food safety and traceability during the transportation process.
- Animal Health and Welfare Services: Businesses involved in animal health, veterinary services, and animal welfare will need to comply with new regulations aimed at ensuring the health and safety of animals within the food supply chain.
If this includes your business then we strongly recommend including the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 in your ISO Compliance Register.
Legislation related to the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025
Legislation related to the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 include:
- Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic production, labelling and control
- Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products
- The Official Controls (Plant Health) and Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025
More information
Visit the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025 article on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and this article to your Register (this is amended by the Official Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2025).
