UK Food Standards Agency reviews novel food regulation amid innovation surge

15 Jun 2023 --- The UK government’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a review of its Novel Foods Regulatory Framework as it targets opportunities to reform the process by which new foods are introduced to the British market. 

The FSA commissioned Deloitte to critically evaluate its framework, taking into account the UK regulatory landscape and the devolved nature of the policy area while drawing on different international regulatory models and stakeholder views.

The report notes that innovation in novel foods has accelerated, which could pose future challenges to the current regulatory framework, particularly as food regulators in other jurisdictions are also actively reviewing how they authorize novel foods.

The agency tells Food Ingredients First that it is now reviewing the report’s outputs alongside the regulated products reform program as part of its longer-term strategy, which is currently being developed.

Post-Brexit innovation
The report indicates an opportunity for the UK to reshape its novel food regulations to better serve food tech innovators after its exit from the EU. The UK no longer requires the consensus of EU member states when implementing regulatory adjustments, meaning it can create conditions that are more tailored to home market needs.Smaller firms could require more clarity and guidance from regulators, according to Deloitte.

Deloitte also highlights that investments in novel foods are increasing, with global alternative protein companies securing US$5 billion in disclosed investments in 2021, which is 60% more than in 2020 and five times as much as the amount raised in 2019. The volume of novel food applications could increase significantly as a result.

However, businesses making novel food applications tend to be smaller firms that may not have dedicated regulatory teams or prior food regulation experience, the report adds. Smaller businesses may require more clarity and guidance from regulators than more established operators.

Meanwhile, there is a greater focus on more environmentally sustainable food options among consumers, according to Deloitte. This theme may contribute to greater demand for new food options, meaning more novel food applications that consumers and producers want approved at a faster pace.

Key reform enablers
Deloitte pinpointed several key enablers in its report, which it views as relevant to the Novel Foods Regulatory Framework reform and wider regulatory reform within the FSA.Investment in novel foods is growing and regulation must adapt to higher application volumes.

The British professional services network identified “clear drivers, consistent risk appetite and leadership alignment” and “cultural changes across the whole organization” as two key enablers, noting that new models are only useful if put into practice and embraced by everyone within the organization.

It also notes that “skills and capability are a critical enabler of any transformation, but especially so when dealing with novel foods on the basis that it may require a different approach and way of thinking than other regulated products.”

Meanwhile, funding and capacity to support a transition from an existing to a new way of working will require “careful consideration” since the FSA needs to ensure core regulatory operations can continue functioning.

Consumer views
As the report focused on the regulatory framework’s technical operation, it did not include consumer views or wider stakeholder interests at this stage.

But any future reform plans developed by the FSA for novel foods will include further stakeholder engagement, consumer engagement and public consultation as part of the policy development process.

By Joshua Poole