Novel Foods and Banned Ingredients

Further Guidelines for Novel Foods and Banned Ingredients in the UK

When selling novel foods and ensuring compliance with banned ingredient regulations in the UK, Vendors on VegaVend must adhere to the following guidelines:

Novel Foods

Definition and Authorisation:

• Novel foods are those that were not significantly consumed in the UK or EU before 15 May 1997. Examples include new ingredients like phytosterols, traditional foods like chia seeds, and foods produced using new processes such as UV-treated bread.
• Vendors must obtain authorisation before placing novel foods on the market. There are two routes for authorisation: traditional food notification and full novel food application.

Application Process:

• For traditional food notification, vendors need to provide evidence of a history of safe consumption in a non-EU country for at least 25 years.
• For a full application, detailed information about the novel food, including its identity, production process, compositional data, and safety assessments, must be submitted.

Regulatory Resources:

• Vendors can refer to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for detailed guidance on the novel food authorisation process. The FSA’s regulated products application service is the primary platform for submitting applications.

Banned Ingredients

Prohibited Substances:

Certain ingredients are banned in the UK due to their potential health risks. These include:

• Potassium bromate
• Sudan dyes
• Azodicarbonamide
• Certain animal drugs like bovine growth hormone
• Some food colourings (e.g. Yellow No. 5, No. 6, Red No. 40)
• Brominated vegetable oil
• Chlorine-treated poultry

Vendors must ensure that their products do not contain these prohibited substances to avoid legal repercussions.

Regulatory Compliance:

The FSA provides a comprehensive list of approved additives and E numbers. Vendors should ensure that any additives used in their products are approved and used within the permitted limits.

Labelling Requirements:

Clear and accurate labelling is essential. Allergen information, ingredient lists, and any necessary warnings must be prominently displayed on the product packaging. For further information on Allergens please see Food Allergen Labelling Guidelines 

Additional Information

Food Standards Agency (FSA): For guidance on novel foods and food additives, visit the FSA website

Legislation.gov.uk: For detailed legal texts and updates on food regulations, visit Legislation.gov.uk

European Commission on Novel Foods: For information on novel food regulations applicable in Northern Ireland, visit the European Commission’s Novel Food page

By following these guidelines and utilising the provided resources, Vendors can ensure compliance with UK regulations on novel foods and banned ingredients, thereby maintaining consumer trust and avoiding legal issues.