FSA Issues Updated Guidance on Mechanically Separated Meat
FSA Issues Updated Guidance on Mechanically Separated Meat for UK Food Businesses
July 3, 2025 | Meatex News Desk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released new guidance to help food businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland comply with legal requirements surrounding Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) . This follows recent Supreme Court and High Court rulings that clarified the legal definition and classification of MSM.
Key Points from the Guidance
- MSM must be clearly declared as an ingredient when used in food products and does not count toward the total meat content on product labels.
- The guidance aims to ensure accurate classification and labelling, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
- Businesses may need to adjust their production processes and labelling practices to align with the clarified legal definition.
- The FSA has committed to supporting businesses through this transition, allowing a reasonable timeframe for implementation.
Background
The updated guidance was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and reflects the outcome of legal rulings that impact how MSM is defined and used in food production. The FSA emphasises its role in upholding food law and protecting public trust in food labelling and safety.
Original guidance available via the Food Standards Agency
Read full article Share on X