Future of Food Standards Agency undecided

However, the stalling of the decision leaves operators in limbo in regards to a number of issues – namely the displaying of calories on menus, Scores on the Doors hygiene ratings and a potential ban on transfats.

A spokesperson said 'no decision' had been taken over the FSA but added only that all 'Arms Length Bodies' would be subject to a review. It had been reported that Health Secretary Andrew Lansley would announce the abolition of the FSA as he unveiled a White Paper on NHS reforms earlier this week.

The news agency Reuters had also reported that the FSA, chaired by former Farming Minister Lord Rooker, would be subsumed into Defra and the Department of Health.