The Chilled Food Association (CFA) is a leading representative body promoting the interests, reputation, sustainability, and value of the professional chilled food industry. The CFA primarily represents manufacturers and suppliers of chilled foods in the UK, advocating for appropriate risk-based regulation, equitable enforcement, and wider recognition of best practices, including in public procurement. With over 20 members generating more than £8 billion in turnover, the CFA serves as a trusted, authoritative source of science-based information and standards. It engages in extensive lobbying activities aimed at influencing UK and EU policy related to food safety, product standards, and market growth.
The CFA’s lobbying efforts focus on ensuring favorable regulatory conditions and retaining effective food safety measures, especially concerning issues like Listeria micro criteria and food hygiene. The association actively builds alliances with Government stakeholders, retailers, industry bodies, and international networks. It also funds research on shelf life and food safety, develops common audit standards, and provides education and outreach tools to schools and higher education institutions to promote sector careers.
Their lobbying strategy includes continuous engagement with policymakers to preserve a science-based approach to food regulation post-Brexit and during EU consultations. CFA coordinates cross-industry working groups addressing standards and certification challenges. It places a strong emphasis on keeping members informed of horizon scanning developments affecting the chilled food sector and supports the resolution and minimization of food safety incidents. The association’s collaborative approach strengthens supply chain security and promotes a knowledge-sharing culture.
CFA’s operations encompass lobbying for positive change, encouraging future talent, and enhancing industry-wide sustainability. Their emphasis on transparent and constructive dialogue with the Government and EU bodies positions them as an influential actor shaping food safety policy and industry standards in the chilled food sector.
