Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Food Safety Act 1990

Help about what version

What Version

Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

Status:

Point in time view as at 01/07/2009. This version of this provision has been superseded. Help about Status

Close

Status

You are viewing this legislation item as it stood at a particular point in time. A later version of this or provision, including subsequent changes and effects, supersedes this version.

Note the term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section.

Changes to legislation:

Food Safety Act 1990, Section 21 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 16 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.

21 Defence of due diligence.E+W+S

(1)In any proceedings for an offence under any of the preceding provisions of this Part (in this section referred to as “the relevant provision”), it shall, subject to subsection (5) below, be a defence for the person charged to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence by himself or by a person under his control.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, a person charged with an offence under [F1section 14 or 15] above who neither—

(a)prepared the food in respect of which the offence is alleged to have been committed; nor

(b)imported it into Great Britain,

shall be taken to have established the defence provided by that subsection if he satisfies the requirements of subsection (3) or (4) below.

(3)A person satisfies the requirements of this subsection if he proves—

(a)that the commission of the offence was due to an act or default of another person who was not under his control, or to reliance on information supplied by such a person;

(b)that he carried out all such checks of the food in question as were reasonable in all the circumstances, or that it was reasonable in all the circumstances for him to rely on checks carried out by the person who supplied the food to him; and

(c)that he did not know and had no reason to suspect at the time of the commission of the alleged offence that his act or omission would amount to an offence under the relevant provision.

(4)A person satisfies the requirements of this subsection if he proves—

(a)that the commission of the offence was due to an act or default of another person who was not under his control, or to reliance on information supplied by such a person;

(b)that the sale or intended sale of which the alleged offence consisted was not a sale or intended sale under his name or mark; and

(c)that he did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, at the time of the commission of the alleged offence that his act or omission would amount to an offence under the relevant provision.

(5)If in any case the defence provided by subsection (1) above involves the allegation that the commission of the offence was due to an act or default of another person, or to reliance on information supplied by another person, the person charged shall not, without leave of the court, be entitled to rely on that defence unless—

(a)at least seven clear days before the hearing; and

(b)where he has previously appeared before a court in connection with the alleged offence, within one month of his first such appearance,

he has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of that other person as was then in his possession.

(6)In subsection (5) above any reference to appearing before a court shall be construed as including a reference to being brought before a court.

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 21(2) substituted (1.1.2005) by General Food Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/3279), regs. 1, 13

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 21 applied by 1991/370, reg. 3 (2)

S. 21 applied: (9.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/496, reg. 7(1)(d); (13.9.1992) by S.I. 1992/1971, reg. 9(d); (14.9.1992) by S.I. 1992/1978, reg. 7(d); (1.10.1992) by S.I. 1992/2037, reg. 23(c) (which S.I. was revoked (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/539, reg. 25, Sch. 22 (with regs. 3(2), 25, Sch. 22))

S. 21 applied: (14.7.1993) by S.I. 1993/1520, reg. 2(2)(d); (29.7.1993) by S.I. 1993/1658, reg.7(d)

S. 21 applied (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1513, reg. 6(2)(b)

S. 21 applied (W.) (1.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1360, reg. 7(1)(c)

C2S. 21 applied (with modifications) (5.11.1991) by S.I. 1991/2486, reg. 7(1)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (1.1.1993 for certain purposes and 15.1.1993 otherwise) by S.I. 1992/3163, regs. 1, 18(1) (which S.I. was revoked (29.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/994, reg. 59(1), Sch. 5); (1.1.1993 for certain purposes and 15.1.1993 otherwise) by S.I. 1992/3164, regs. 1, 19(1) (which S.I. was revoked (29.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/994, reg. 59(1), Sch. 5); (18.12.1992 for certain purposes and 1.1.1993 otherwise) by S.I. 1992/3165, regs. 1, 7(2) (which S.I. was revoked (29.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/994, reg. 59(1), Sch. 5); (31.12.1992) by S.I. 1992/3236, reg. 11(1)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (1.4.1994) by S.I. 1994/743, reg. 8(1)(d); (1.5.1994) by S.I. 1994/1029, reg. 25(c) (which S.I. was revoked (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/540, reg. 26 (with reg. 3(5))); (2.9.1994) by S.I. 1994/2127, reg. 5; (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3082, reg. 21

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (1.3.1995) by S.I. 1995/77, reg. 23; (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/539, reg. 22 and S.I. 1995/540, reg. 24; (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/614, reg. 11; (9.5.1995) by S.I. 1995/1086, reg. 20(1)(d); (15.6.1995) by S.I. 1995/1372, reg. 20(1)(d); (10.7.1995) by S.I. 1995/1544, reg. 10; (15.9.1995) by S.I. 1995/1763, reg. 7(d); (15.9.1995) by S.I. 1995/2200, reg. 18; (20.9.1995) by S.I. 1995/2148, reg. 17; (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3116, reg. 8; (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3123, reg. 9(d) and S.I. 1995/3124, reg. 11(d); (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3187, reg. 9; (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3202, reg. 11; (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3205, reg. 14; (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3240, reg. 10(d) (which S.I. was revoked (1.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1499, reg. 49, Sch. 9)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (29.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/961, reg. 4(d); (1.7.1996) by: S.I. 1996/1499, reg. 48; S.I. 1996/1502, reg. 6

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (16.6.1997) by S.I. 1997/1335, reg. 6(d); (30.6.1997) by S.I. 1995/1544, reg. 10(1) (as substituted (30.6.1997) by S.I. 1997/1414, reg. 3); (4.7.1997) by S.I. 1997/1499, reg. 6(1) (which S.I. was revoked (18.6.2002 (E.), 1.7.2002 (S.), 2.8.2002 (W.)) by S.I. 2002/890, reg. 11, Sch.; S.S.I. 2002/267, reg. 11, Sch.; S.I. 2002/1886, reg. 11, Sch.); (17.11.1997) by S.I. 1997/2537, reg. 9; (16.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2959, reg. 11; (1.1.1998) by S.I. 1997/2965, reg. 30; (31.3.1999) by S.I. 1997/2042, reg. 9 and S.I. 1997/2182, reg. 9

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (19.2.1998) by S.I. 1998/141, reg. 10(d); (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/616, reg. 6(1)(c); (29.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/994, reg. 55(1)(c); (31.10.1998) by S.I. 1998/2424, reg. 8(d);

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1540, reg. 19(1)(d); (1.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2457, reg. 8(1); (1.10.1999) by S.S.I. 1999/34, reg 8(1); (19.3.1999) by S.I. 1996/1499, reg. 48 (as substituted by S.I. 1999/747, reg. 11); (17.12.1999) by S.S.I 1999/186, reg. 9

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (E.) (10.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/768, reg. 10(1); (S.) (10.4.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/83, reg. 10(1); (W.) (25.7.2000) by S.I. 2000/1925, reg. 10(1)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (E.) (15.1.2001) by S.I. 2000/3323, reg. 10(d); (W.) (1.11.2001) by S.I. 2000/1866, reg. 7(d); (S.) (1.11.2001) by S.S.I. 2000/130, reg. 7(d); (E.) (1.11.2001) by S.I. 2000/845, reg. 7(d)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (S.) (17.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/38, reg. 10; (W.) (1.5.2001) by S.I. 2001/1361, reg. 8(1); (W.) (1.5.2001) by S.I. 2001/1440, reg. 10(d)

S. 21 applied (with modifications): (E.W.) (8.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/333, reg. 6(d); (S.) (8.3.2002) by S.S.I. 2002/50, reg. 6(d); (E.) (18.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/890, reg. 7(1)(c); (S.) (1.7.2002) by S.S.I. 2002/267, reg. 7(1)(c); (W.) (2.8.2002) by S.I. 2002/1886, reg. 7(1)(c); (E.) (5.8.2002 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.4.2004) by S.I. 2002/1817, regs. 1(2)(3), 9(d); (S.) (23.9.2002 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.4.2004) by S.S.I. 2002/397, regs. 1(2)(3), 8(d); (W.) (31.12.2002 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.4.2004) by S.I. 2002/2939, regs. 1(2)(3), 9(d); (S.) (1.1.2003) by S.S.I. 2002/523, reg. 5(1)(d); (W.) (9.1.2003) by S.I. 2002/3157, reg. 5(1)(d); (E.) (13.1.2003) by S.I. 2002/3169, reg. 5(1)(d)

C3S. 21 applied (with modifications) (E.) (28.3.2003) by Fish Labelling (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/461), regs. 1, 10(c)

C4S. 21 applied (with modifications) (S.) (28.3.2003) by The Fish Labelling (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/145), regs. 1(1), 10(c)

C5S. 21 applied (with modifications) (30.6.2003) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1478), regs. 1, 7(1)(c)

C6S. 21 applied (with modifications) (30.6.2003) by Fish Labelling (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1635), regs. 1, 10

C10S. 21 applied (with modifications) (12.7.2003) by Specified Sugar Products (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1563), regs. 1, 9(d)

C12S. 21 applied (with modifications) (17.7.2003) by Condensed Milk and Dried Milk (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1596), regs. 1, 9(1)(d) (with reg. 11)

C13S. 21 applied (with modifications) (31.7.2003) by The Contaminants in Food (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1721), regs. 1, 7(1)(c)

C14S. 21 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2003) by The Cocoa and Chocolate Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/291), regs. 1, 11(d) (with reg. 4)

C16S. 21 applied (with modifications) (2.9.2003) by Meat Products (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2075), regs. 1(c), 8(d) (with reg. 3)

C17S. 21 applied (with modifications) (25.9.2003) by Honey (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2243), regs. 1, 9(d)

C18S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by Condensed Milk and Dried Milk (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3053), regs. 1, 9(1)(d) (with reg. 3)

C19S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by Specified Sugar Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/527), regs. 1(1), 9 (with reg. 10)

C20S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by Honey (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3044), regs. 1, 9(d)

C21S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by Cocoa and Chocolate Products (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3037), regs. 1, 10(d)

C22S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by The Specified Sugar Products (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3047), regs. 1, 9(d)

C23S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.11.2003) by The Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3041), regs. 1, 9(d)

C24S. 21 applied (with modifications) (18.12.2003) by Honey (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/569), regs. 1(1), 10(d) (with regs. 3, 11)

C25S. 21 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2003) by Jam and Similar Products (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3120), regs. 1, 9(d) (with reg. 3)

C26S. 21 applied (with modifications) (4.2.2004) by Meat Products (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/6), regs. 1(1), 9(1)(d)

C27S. 21 applied (with modifications) (5.3.2004) by Jam and Similar Products (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/553), regs. 1, 9(1)(d) (with reg. 3)

C28S. 21 applied (with modifications) (28.4.2004) by Jam and Similar Products (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/133), regs. 1(1), 10(d)

C29S. 21 applied (with modifications) (31.5.2004) by Meat Products (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1396), regs. 1(c), 8(d) (with reg. 3)

C33S. 21 applied (with modifications) (20.12.2004) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/3062), regs. 1, 7(1)(c)

C34S. 21 applied (with modifications) (25.12.2004) by Contaminants in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/525), regs. 1(1), 7(1)(c)

C35S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2005) by General Food Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/3279), regs. 1, 7(1)(b)

C38S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2005) by The Contaminants in Food (Wales) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/364), regs. 1, 7(1)(c)

C39S. 21 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 1995/77 reg. 23 (6.3.2005) by The Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/313), regs. 1, 9

C40S. 21 applied (with modifications) by SI 1995/77 reg. 23 (as substituted (6.3.2005) by Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3208), regs. 1, 9)

C42S. 21 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 1995/77 reg. 23 (6.3.2005) by Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/7), regs. 1(1), 9

C55S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2005) by The Food Supplements (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1719), regs. 1, 11(d) (with reg. 3)

C56S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2005) by The Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1387), regs. 1, 11(d)

C57S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2005) by Food Supplements (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/278), regs. 1(1), 11(d) (with regs. 3, 5)

C61S. 21 applied (with modifications) (11.11.2005) by Tryptophan in Food (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2630), regs. 1, 8(d)

C62S. 21 applied (with modifications) (11.11.2005) by The Tryptophan in Food (Wales) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3111), regs. 1, 8(d)

C63S. 21 applied (with modifications) (11.11.2005) by Tryptophan in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/479), regs. 1(1), 8(d)

C64S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2006) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3251), regs. 1, 6(1)(c)

C67S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2006) by Contaminants in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/606), regs. 1(1), 6(1)(c)

C69S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2006) by The Contaminants in Food (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/485), regs. 1, 6(1)(c)

C70S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2006) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1464), regs. 1, 5(1)(c)

C71S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2006) by Contaminants in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/306), regs. 1(1), 5(1)(c)

C72S. 21 applied (with modifications) (13.7.2006) by Contaminants in Food (Wales) (No.2) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1850), regs. 1, 5(1)(c)

C73S. 21 applied (with modifications) (14.7.2006) by Kava-kava in Food (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1851), regs. 1(b), 5(1)

C80S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2007) by Quick-frozen Foodstuffs (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/191), regs. 1(b), 10(c)

C83S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2007) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/210), regs. 1, 5(1)(c)

C84S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2007) by Contaminants in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/29), regs. 1(1), 5(1)(c)

C85S. 21 applied (with modifications) (15.3.2007) by Contaminants in Food (Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/840), regs. 1, 5(1)(c) (with art. 3)

C94S. 21 applied (with modifications) (22.8.2007) by Eggs and Chicks (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2245), regs. 1(2), 21 (with reg. 1(4)(5))

C96S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2007) by Nutrition and Health Claims (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2080), regs. 1, 6(d)

C97S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2007) by Nutrition and Health Claims (Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2611), regs. 1, 6(d)

C111S. 21 applied (with modifications) (27.4.2008) by Eggs and Chicks (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/129), regs. 1(2), 20 (with reg. 3)

C114S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2008) by Drinking Milk (England) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1317), regs. 1(1)(b), 7

C116S. 21 applied (with modifications) (19.12.2008) by Eggs and Chicks (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/395), regs. 1(2), 20 (with reg. 3)

C117S. 21 applied (with modifications) (17.4.2009) by Eggs and Chicks (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/793), regs. 1(2), 21 (with reg. 1(4)(5))

C118S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2009) by Contaminants in Food (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/215), regs. 1(1), 5(1)(c)

C119S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2009) by Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1223), regs. 1, 5(1)(c)

C120S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.7.2009) by The Contaminants in Food (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1386), regs. 1, 5(1)(c)

C121S. 21(1)(5)(6) applied (29.5.1992) by S.I. 1992/1122, reg. 4 (which S.I. was revoked (24. 7. 1992) by S.I. 1992/1601, reg. 6)

S. 21(1)(5)(6) applied (24.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1601, reg. 4

C122S. 21(1)(5)(6) applied (with modifications) (4.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/2265, reg. 7(3) (which S.I. was revoked (15.3.1997) by S.I. 1997/389, reg. 14)

S. 21(1)(5)(6) applied (with modifications): (15.3.1997) by S.I. 1997/389, reg. 10(3) (which S.I. was revoked (1.8.1997 at 6.00 p.m.) by S.I. 1997/1905, reg. 20); (11.8.1997) by S.I. 1997/1729, reg. 34(1)(d); (1.8.1997 at 6.00 p.m.) by S.I. 1997/1905, reg. 16(3)

C127S. 21(5)(6) applied (with modifications) (20.5.2006) by Ceramic Articles in Contact with Food (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/230), regs. 1(2), 7

C128S. 21(5)(6) applied (with modifications) (20.5.2006) by Ceramic Articles In Contact With Food (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1179), regs. 1(1), 7(b)

C129S. 21(5)(6) applied (with modifications) (30.6.2006) by Ceramic Articles in Contact with Food (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1704), regs. 1(1), 7(1)(b)

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: