Protecting consumers from the rising cost of food: the European Commission continues to scrutinise the food sector within the European Union

Wragge & Co's food sector specialists consider the most recent statement of policy in this sector, as given by Joaquín Almunia, Vice President of the Commission responsible for Competition Policy.

Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill to become law in June

On or around 25 June 2013, the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) will, finally, have statutory powers to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

A Groceries Code Adjudicator with more bite

Following increased lobbying from stakeholders in the supply chain and MPs, the Government has given the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) the power to fine supermarkets who fail to comply with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (Code).

All change for land use restrictions? OFT announces implementation date for Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010 test

Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill - a taste of the latest changes

This month's Queen's Speech announced the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Bill, which we highlighted in our earlier alert. As expected, the Bill was one of the first to be introduced to Parliament in this new session.

The Queen speaks - Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill

A year ago this month, the draft Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) bill was issued by the Government. As discussed in our earlier alert, this set out the need for the GCA, its role and powers of enforcement, and invited comments from stakeholders.

Hungry for more? The European Commission launches a dedicated Food Task Force to focus upon possible antitrust infringements in the EU food sector

The European Commission has responded to mounting concerns regarding the rising cost of food in the EU by launching its own internal Food Task Force within the Directorate-General of Competition.

Groceries Code Adjudicator - draft bill begins to take shape

After announcing plans to establish the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), an independent body to monitor and enforce the revised Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), the Government issued a draft GCA Bill in May.

Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill - time to have your say

On 3 August 2010, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced the Government's decision to establish an independent body to monitor and enforce the revised Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

Food for (serious) thought: Food hygiene rating scheme launched

Reputation is crucial in the food sector. Food outlets should therefore take a close look at the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland launched by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities.

Green light for compulsory pension provision

Workplace pension reform emerged this week relatively unscathed from a government review of the policy (Making automatic enrolment work: A review for the DWP).

A drop in carriage clock sales? Time called on default retirement age

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Work and Pensions have issued a joint consultation on the Government's proposal to phase out the default retirement age.

General election manifestos and supermarket regulation - a 'blow' for democracy?

Last week, the Labour Party, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats rolled out their manifestos ahead of the general election on 6 May 2010.

Each manifesto alludes to the GSCOP which came into force on 4 February 2010 through The Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation Order 2009.

Consultation on supermarket regulator

The Groceries (Supply Chain Practices Market Investigation) Order 2009 (GSCOP) came into effect on 4 February 2010. The Order requires certain supermarkets to have written terms with the majority of their suppliers of goods for resale in place.

Dilution of vodka prevented by High Court

In the Diageo North America, Inc r v Intercontinental Brands case the owners of the famous 'Smirnoff' brand of vodka have succeeded in establishing extended passing off against InterContinental Brands in respect of its Vodkat alcoholic beverage.

Terms to be imposed into supplier:retailer grocery contracts

On 4 February 2010 the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices Market Investigation) Order 2009 (the Order) comes into effect.

A guide to health, safety and other prosecution risks - part 11. There's a rat in the kitchen, what am I gonna do?

Any business involved in the manufacture, preparation, storage, service or sale of food, even if only in the staff canteen, needs to be aware of and deal with the vast array of regulation with which it is required to comply.

Carbon Reduction Commitment - the basics

The Carbon Reduction Commitment is a mandatory emissions trading scheme. To be introduced under powers taken in the Climate Change Act 2008 its twin aims are to improve energy efficiency and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Litigation survival guide - part 8. Cost-effective litigation

Although litigation should always be conducted in a cost-effective manner, in periods of economic downturn this becomes increasingly more important.

Litigation survival guide - part 6. Regulatory breaches - steps in the right direction

We live in an ever more regulated age. European and global markets are increasingly regulated and this trend looks set to continue.

Litigation survival guide - part 5. Responding to the threat of winding-up

Although service of a statutory demand or winding-up petition on a company is a blunt and unsophisticated debt recovery tool, it will often have the desired effect for a creditor as they are seldom ignored and ignored only at the company's peril.

Litigation survival guide - part 4. Winding-up your corporate debtor

The threat of insolvency proceedings against a corporate debtor can greatly assist a creditor's primary objective of getting paid, preferably in advance of everyone else.

Litigation survival guide - part 3. Retention of title: sellers beware!

With the effect of the global credit crunch hitting national and international trade, sellers should take a close look at their standard terms and conditions of sale to ensure that they have a valid retention of title (ROT) clause.

Litigation survival guide - part 2. Keep your friends close, keep your suppliers/customers closer - avoiding problems in the supply chain

Surviving the economic downturn is not just about looking after your own business. Monitoring the performance of significant customers/suppliers can be crucial to your financial performance.

Low fat, high risk? BCAP consultation on nutrition and health claims

The Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations 1925/2006, effective from 1 July 2007, are the first piece of specific legislation that places controls on the use of nutrition and health claims in the advertising and labelling of foods.

Litigation survival guide - part 1. Escape to victory: points to consider when terminating a contract

For a number of reasons you may wish to consider whether you can terminate a contractual relationship you have entered into. During periods of economic downturn the instances of this are greater.

Maternity leave and pension contributions

Rules covering non-cash benefits will change this year for pregnant employees with a childbirth expectance week of 5 October 2008 or later.

Everyone is created equal (but some are more equal than others). Latest developments in discrimination law

The courts and tribunals have been busy as ever, delivering decisions in discrimination cases.

Immigration update

Wragge & Co's legal experts bring you the latest immigration news.

Is it time for the supermarkets to bite back?

The Competition Commission's (CC) final report on competition in the grocery market has been published today, following a three-year investigation. The verdict is largely a clean bill of health for the supermarket chains.

CC recommends triple whammy for the 'Big Four'

Wragge & Co steers Birds Eye to victory over ASA claims

Making nutrition & health claims - the new law

Austrian province loses test case for regional ban on GMOs