AN UNCERTAIN future is on the horizon for the Food Standards Agency in Scotland, after it emerged that a white paper in the autumn could signal the closure of its UK counterpart in line with cost saving NHS cutbacks.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley made a statement in the Commons on his plans for a dramatic shake-up of NHS financing in England, sparking fears and speculation that the agency in Scotland, which is funded by both Westminster and Holyrood, might follow suit.

Aberdeen South Labour MP Anne Begg queried the fate of the Aberdeen-based Scottish FSA amid speculation about the UK agency.

Said Ms Begg: “He signalled the FSA will be part of a public health white paper in the autumn and he said the government is abolishing quangos it believes do not need to exist”.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are monitoring this situation extremely closely to assess how any proposed changes would impact upon the FSA in Scotland.”

Reacting to the speculation, a spokesman for NFU Scotland said: “Charged with monitoring and regulating the food chain in the interests of consumers and public health, NFUS has worked with the FSA in Scotland and in the UK on a long list of advice and legislation, much of it originating in Europe, some of which has had a massive impact on the way we produce food as farmers.

“Public safety and confidence in the standards of food production will remain integral to the future of our industry and there is little let up in the legislation emanating from Brussels that affects farmers as food producers.

“If the decision is taken, as part of any review, white paper or cost-cutting drive, to subsume the role of the FSA into government departments then we would wish a seamless transition to the new regime and reassurances that the ability for NFUS to discuss any issue that affects its membership will be retained.”