Status: Validated
What is Novel Foods?
FSA (Food Standards Agency) UK defines novel foods as “foods which have not been widely consumed by people in the UK or European Union (EU) before May 1997. This means that the foods don’t have a ‘history of consumption’.”
The FSA confirmed that the novel foods status would apply to Cannabidiol (CBD) extracts in January 2019 and businesses were advised that they would need to submit a Novel Food Authoristaion Application by 31 March 2021 for all consumable CBD products they intended to keep on the market after this date.
At fourfive our Novel Foods Application has now been validated, which means the FSA are happy for our products to remain available to our customers and are considered safe for consumption. The next stage of this process is authorisation, which we have been informed could take up to two years. We’re hoping it won’t take that long but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.
Why is CBD a Novel Food?
Surely CBD isn’t new? People have been using hemp for centuries!
Whilst this is true, hemp has been cultivated for generations, CBD is only one of many other cannabinoids found within hemp and cannabis plants. Modern day extraction methods make it possible to remove or reduce these other cannabinoids and selectively extract CBD. These processes make the final product different from hemp.
Hemp and related products, such as cold-pressed oils, are not novel because there is evidence to show a history of consumption before May 1997. This is not the case for CBD extracts.
– Food Standard Agency
Why is Novel Foods important?
At fourfive we are proud that we have always exceeded compliance rules and provided safe, third party tested products that you can trust. Our batch certificates are available for everyone to view and easily accessible on our website. Unfortunately, not every brand currently on the market is offering the same high standard and without labelling requirements, customers are often left confused about what they are getting.
We are pleased that this legislation will make that journey easier for consumers.
We also believe that the Novel Foods Act will weed out any ‘rogue traders’ and what remains available will be the best and safest products for everybody.
Novel Foods Authorisation is a safety assessment on the quality control points for a manufacturer producing the ‘Novel Food’. It ensures its safety for human consumption.
Why is Novel Foods good for the industry?
- FSA have added regulation and safety advice for CBD use and products. (Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication not to consume CBD products. Otherwise, no more than 70mg a day)
- There are many unethical brands putting inferior products on to the market.
- Regulation in an uncertain environment will cement the future.
- Regulations will give retailers confidence to stock products from ethical brands.
“We’re buzzing to have received official confirmation that our range of CBD products have been validated which means we have passed the initial requirements by the FSA. This is testament to our own rigorous quality controls and industry standard testing. Going forward retailers and consumers can now be even more confident that when they buy fourfive CBD products that they comply with all necessary regulations.”
Dom Day, co-founder, fourfive
