Animal and Plant Health Agency
- Date 10 November 2025
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) EIR 12(5)(f): Upheld, EIR 13: Not upheld, EIR 14: Upheld
The complainant has requested fish farm inspection reports from 2023 and 2024. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) withheld the relevant information it holds under sections 40(2) and 41(1) of FOIA, which concern personal data and information provided in confidence, respectively. APHA has subsequently confirmed to the Commissioner that it’s relying on regulation 12(5)(f) of the EIR to withhold the information. This exception concerns the interests of the information provider. The Commissioner understands APHA is also withholding personal data under regulation 13. The Commissioner’s decision is that regulation 12(5)(f) of the EIR isn’t engaged but regulation 13 is engaged. APHA’s refusal didn’t comply with regulation 14 of the EIR as it incorrectly refused the request under FOIA. The Commissioner requires APHA to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: Disclose to the complainant the information APHA is withholding, with all personal data redacted under regulation 13 of the EIR.