The UK government has confirmed plans by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to change the way it regulates key alternative meat products, such as precision fermentation and cultured meat, with the changes expected to be implemented early next year.
On 18 September, the timetable for the plans was announced, including changes for other regulated products, such as feed additives and food flavourings. This follows a major revision. Outlining the key changes needed to improve UK food security.
The FSA intends to introduce a public register of regulated products. The FSA plans to introduce a public register of regulated products. This will replace the existing system, where a statutory instrument is required before a new product can enter the market. The FSA estimates that this could increase the time it takes to approve a new product by up to 6 months (which is currently around 2.5 years).
The new system will allow novel foods to be registered in the register after ministerial approval, instead of going through secondary legislation. The determination of product safety will not require renewal.
An FSA spokesperson told FoodNavigator that the process would speed up the review and approval of novel foods. However, the FSA stressed that it would continue to conduct rigorous, evidence-based assessments of a product's safety and nutritional values before it is approved for sale in the UK.
Good Food Institute policy director Linus Pardoe said: “It is positive that the Food Standards Agency has taken the necessary steps to modernise its process, whilst maintaining one of the most robust regulatory systems in the world. But these steps are just the start.”
Alternative proteins are a great way to boost food security in the UK and grow its green economy. To deliver on these promises and ensure consumers have confidence in new foods, government officials need to develop more ambitious plans. For example, they should work with international partners to assess the risks. They could also create a regulatory sandbox.
Alternative proteins: the British government's investment
The UK government has made several investments in alternative proteins in recent years, and last month announced the opening of an alternative protein facility. New national innovation hub for alternative proteinsThe University of Leeds is to open a new research centre focusing on plant-based foods, fermented meats and even cultured meat.
The creation of a Fermentation poleIt was announced that Imperial College London would focus on biomass, traditional fermentation and precision fermentation.
The National Vision for Biological Engineering document, published in December 2023. The United Kingdom in briefIts commitment to alternative proteins, which includes creating regulatory “sandboxes” to allow companies to test their ideas.
The Cellular Protein Manufacturing Hub, or CARMA, was opened in 2011 to help develop meat on a large scale. The announcement has been made.
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