Thanks to efforts by Fifth Sense, the Food Standards Agency has changed its guidance around the use of best before and use-by dates to include people affected by smell disorders.

Our CEO and founder, Duncan Boak, provides this update:

Over the past few weeks I’ve had discussions with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to highlight our concerns that people with smell and taste disorders are being overlooked in guidance issued by some companies to help reduce food waste by using a ‘sniff test’ instead of relying on use-by dates.  Whilst we fully support the intentions behind this, any guidance given out by the food, beverage and retail industries must take into account the needs and concerns of people with sensory impairments.   

I’m very pleased that as a result of our discussions, the FSA has updated the guidance on their website to include people affected by smell disorders.   

This is an important step forwards, with the FSA, a government agency, recognising the needs of the people Fifth Sense represents.  I would like to take the opportunity to thank the FSA for responding so positively to our concerns.  

This is just the start, however.  The fight goes on to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are not overlooked.  Fifth Sense is going to be working with our partners, including FlavorActiV whose sensory solutions are relied upon by the largest food and beverage brands globally, to ensure that food safety concerns of people with smell and taste disorders are recognised by the food, beverage and retail industries. 

Acting together  

This situation shows how by acting together we can secure the change we need, whether in terms of increasing awareness and support, access to NHS care and vital research to find solutions to the challenges we face. If you’d like to help us develop the work and impact of Fifth Sense we would love to hear from you. You can donate now via the button on the sidebar or get in touch with us at info@fifthsense.org.uk