Developed in partnership with Imperial College London and The Supplant Company, ‘Novel Foods Expert Network for Regulatory Challenges’ (NFX UK) will foster innovation and collaboration across the novel foods sector, serving as an accelerator for the development and commercialisation of new food tech and products.
The platform will also play a central role in supporting the UK Government to establish a more transparent and streamlined regulatory process for novel foods.
Red tape dampening innovation
Last month (December 2024) saw the UK Government announce the launch of its Regulatory Innovation Office, a new initiative promising to cut down the lengthy and complex legal pathway to market for new products in high growth sectors.
This follows calls over UK red tape ‘killing’ innovation, with many companies prioritising other countries where approvals have already been granted over the UK.
By bringing together food companies, service providers, academics and regulators, NFX UK aims to create a collaborative environment to advance regulatory science in the novel foods sector.
The initiative will also be providing dedicated resources, training and guidance to ensure novel foods are brought to market efficiently and safely.
Overall, the network has three main objectives:
- To act as a central hub for learning resources: Collation and development of central resources. Providing access for the industry to regulatory science tools to enable a clearer understanding of regulatory processes, data requirements, risk, and safety assessments for novel food ingredients.
- To promote connections for novel foods innovators: Facilitating collaborations across the sector, between analytical and technology organisations, scale-up and manufacturing facilities, consultants, and research institutions.
- Foster positive exchange with regulatory authorities: Offering insights into industry challenges and emerging technologies to help inform decision making for agile and proportionate regulation in response to innovation.
Jacinta George, managing director and VP at RSSL, commented: “We are proud to lead the creation of NFX UK. At RSSL, we recognise the transformative potential of novel food innovation and are excited to support the vital cross-sector collaborations necessary to accelerate the delivery of more cost-effective, sustainable, and healthy food options.”
Dr Tom Simmons, CEO of The Supplant Company, added: “We at The Supplant Company are thrilled to be part of this project and believe that the network will provide invaluable resources to help companies navigate the requirements for novel foods applications.”
An allergy risk?
Whilst it’s important the UK unlocks news opportunities in novel foods, others have argued that a more cautious approach is critical, not only helping to drive acceptance for foods such as cultured meat among retailers but also when it comes to food safety.
UK deputy government chemist Selvarani Elahi warned Food Manufacture last year that the addition of new foods into Brits' diets could increase exposure to allergens. Insects have similar muscle proteins to crustaceans which could lead to cross reactivity, for example.
