Committee publication · Estimate memoranda · 29 April 2026
FSA Main Estimate Memo 2026/27
Summary
The FSA's Main Estimate for 2026/27 requests £137.7m in resource spending and £12.4m in capital spending to deliver its statutory duty of protecting public health and consumers' interests in food safety, authenticity, and sustainability. The budget covers meat controls, food crime enforcement, risk assessment, international trade activity, and support to local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Key findings
- Total Net Budget of £137.7m resource and £12.4m capital, an increase from £132.9m resource and £16.9m capital in 2025-26
- Net Resource Requirement grew from £113.8m (2024-25 outturn) to £137.7m (2026-27 plans), representing 21% increase over two years
- Administration costs (gross) of £185.6m offset by £61.5m income from sales of goods and services, yielding net administration costs of £124.1m
- Capital expenditure includes £12.7m gross spend with £0.3m asset sales income, supporting digital services, infrastructure and organisational resilience
- Contingent liabilities exist from FSA legal claims arising from ordinary course of activities, outcome uncertain and unquantifiable
Tone
ProceduralTopics
public-financefood-safetyconsumer-protectionregulatory-enforcementpublic-health
Key actors
Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK local authorities, Port health authorities, Public analyst laboratories, UK and EU public bodies, Katie Pettifer (Accounting Officer)
Notable line
“The Agency's mission is 'food you can trust' and our vision is to make sure that: - Food is safe; - Food is what it says it is; and - food is healthier and more sustainable.”
Key Quotes
“The FSA's statutory duty is protecting public health and consumers' other interests in relation to food.”
“At all times we will prioritise work on the protection of public health and consumers other interests in relation to food.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗