'It is essential that we build consumer confidence in not only our products, but also the way we produce them,' said FPC chief executive Doug Henderson. 'We should take careful note of Sir John's recommendations and take the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with him.' The agency made three recommendations in its report. First, to develop a more independent widely representative regulatory body to oversee assured food standards and the red tractor scheme set up by the National Farmers Union. It is calling for a move away from such a producer-led approach to include wider consumer representation. Second, the agency recommends establishing minimum core criteria for individual schemes and third, improvement of co-operation between schemes.

The review is available in full on the FSA website www.food.gov.uk