The Department of Health has confirmed it will take over the nutrition policy remit of the Food Standards Agency, with Defra handed responsibility for country of origin labelling.

Contrary to press reports last week, the FSA will not be abolished. Instead the watchdog will adopt a “renewed focus on food safety”.

The DoH said the reorganisation reflected its key priority of improving the health of the nation by creating a public health service.

The FSA was established as a non-ministerial government department in 2000. Its primary purpose was to secure food safety and provide advice to government and the public – a role the DoH said must remain independent.

“Food safety and hygiene have always been at the heart of what the agency does,” said FSA chair Lord Rooker. “They are our top priorities in protecting the interests of consumers.”

The DoH will take over all nutrition policy, including front of pack labelling and reformulation. Around 70 policy posts will switch to the department from the FSA.

“It’s absolutely crucial for the FSA to continue providing independent expert advice to people about food safety,” said health secretary Andrew Lansley.

“But bringing nutrition policy into the department makes sense. It will enable a clear, consistent public health service to be created.”

The move was welcomed by the Food & Drink Federation welcomed.

“We believe it is important to maintain an independent food safety regulator and fully support today’s decision by the government to retain the FSA,” said director general Melanie Leech.

“We also support the decision to move responsibility for nutrition, and other food policy issues, back into government departments. This should lead to clearer and more consistent policy-making while avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort across Whitehall.”

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