Rapid Evidence Review 1 on the Critical Appraisal of Third-Party Evidence

Abstract

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) always seeks to ensure that itsrecommendations are made on the best-available evidence. Following a request from the FSA Chair, the Science Council have sought to provide a framework that can guide those seeking to submit uncommissioned evidence to the FSA on its scientific principles and standards.The Science Councils proposed framework is based on the principles of quality, trustand robustness. By being transparent about the FSA’s minimal expectations, we aim to help those who wish to submit evidence, typically in an effort to fill a perceived evidence gap orchange a relevant policy or legislation. The framework also seeks to provides assurance to others on the processes in place within the FSA to assess evidence it receives.When the FSA receives evidence, it will: be transparent about how the evidence is assessed and used to develop its evidence base, policy recommendations and risk communication; assess evidence in its proper context using the principles of quality, trust and robustness; seek to minimise bias in its assessments of evidence by using professional protocols, its SACs, peer review and/or multi-disciplinary teams be open and transparent about the conclusions it has reached about any evidence submitted to it.