With the UK’s exit from the EU, the opening of the Brussels office will allow ACI to continue working with partners on the continent to provide bespoke regulatory and compliance services, such as assisting with novel food applications to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and lobbying efforts on behalf of our members within the European institutions.
ACI will also offer assistance to EU-based businesses looking to enter the UK market, while simultaneously providing a platform for UK food firms to engage with European regulatory bodies – as well as companies from around the world.
Accelerated regulation
ACI co-founder and lead counsel Steve Moore said: “Our expansion into Brussels perfectly complements our existing work in the UK and strengthens our consultancy team who are advising clients on their European interests, particularly in the wake of Brexit and the accelerating regulation of legal cannabinoid products around the world.”
Since its formation in 2019, the ACI has helped shape the regulatory and policy landscape for cannabinoid products in the UK. It has worked with the Food Standards Agency, Food Safety Scotland, the Home Office and the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs Act.
In 2020, ACI launched a safety study consortium to generate new data to meet the compliance requirements of the new novel foods regulations.
Prime minister’s taskforce
This year (2021), the association worked with prime minister Boris Johnson’s new Taskgroup on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform to establish a footprint for the industry in policy and politics.
Dr Parveen Bhatatah, head of ACI’s consultancy team, added: “Having emerged as the most credible option for companies requiring market authorisation for their cannabinoid products in the UK, we are delighted to be able to bring this wealth of experience to European market authorisation applications.”
Meanwhile, in April, CBD marketplace start-up Alphagreen launched a crowdfunding campaign to secure £2m of investment to grow the business and expand its product range.
