Plans to scrap FSA rejected

The Department of Health has denied plans to scrap the Food Standards Agency, which is under review along with other arms-length government bodies, and said its future would not form part of a new White Paper.

Before the election, the Conservatives said they would move the FSA's responsibility for the nutritional content of food to the Department "so that public health strategies are consistent".

A Department of Health spokesman said: "No decision has been taken over the Food Standards Agency."

The blueprint unveiled by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley promised patients and doctors a bigger role in health services.