Evolving the food regulatory system

• established a new regulatory services function and begun work on the development of a new application system
• scoped an external review of the novel foods regulatory framework with an invitation to tender due to be launched in September

Key successes in the quarter

• as part of our work to reduce delays and meet statutory deadlines for regulated product applications, a new regulatory services function has been established and work has begun on developing a new application system to replace the current portal. We expect the new system will reduce some administrative tasks and improve information available to applicants
• an external review of the novel foods regulatory framework has been scoped and an invitation to tender is due to be launched in September, with the aim of providing a range of options to develop a transparent and effective regulatory system that is the best in the world for innovators, investors and consumers whilst protecting consumer interests and maintaining food standards
• novel Foods and Radiological Policy: The Fukushima regulations have now been revoked and all associated controls removed
• the CBD list has been closed and published and we are preparing to issue a consultation on amendments to the Retained EU Law (REUL) requirements for edible insects which will clarify the GB requirements
• we have undertaken a stakeholder workshop on alternative proteins in July 2022.

Any concerns/risks

• potential delay to delivery of regulatory reform objectives and regulated product approvals in line with statutory requirements, due to difficulty recruiting to fully staff the new regulatory services function. The risk is being mitigated through engagement of temporary resource cover.

Next steps

• we plan to test the new regulated product application system with a range of users from October.  Subject to the feedback we receive and further development of the system, the new application system will go live before the end of the year
• there is scope within regulated product authorisations for regulatory reform to consolidate and simplify the numerous steps in engagement between officials and Ministers across the UK governments. A reform programme across the regulated product regimes is being designed to plan future activities in this area
• continue to contribute to the development of a new regulatory framework for precision bred food and feed in England. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, led by Defra, is being progressed through Parliament.

*We have developed performance measures for our regulated products service which are included in quarterly reporting to the FSA Board’s Business Committee. This will form part of future Performance & Resources reports from Q1 2023/24.