FSA announces £1.4 million funding for launch of new innovation hub
Summary
This technique uses new technology to create specific ingredients, including proteins, sugars and fats.The new hub will protect consumers by making sure these new foods are safe before they can be sold, as well as giving greater clarity on regulatory requirements to innovators and investors. The public can remain confident that the foods they choose are safe and the UK economy can benefit from business investment, so as a nation we will be able to take early advantage of the potential these technologies offer.Breakthroughs in precision fermentation have the potential to grow our economy and improve food security by reducing reliance on imports, and the Regulatory Innovation Office will help to bring innovations like these to market safely and efficiently. Were streamlining regulation to get safe, innovative products onto shelves faster, while maintaining high standards and strengthening the UKs position in food technology - in turn supporting the Governments Plan for Change. This new project was discussed during the FSAs latest Board meeting on 26 March as part of a series of initiatives the FSA is working on to help drive growth and investment while maintaining high safety and standards in the UKs food sector.The Board heard how this new project sits alongside the FSAs other commitments included in the Government action plan. The FSA will provide industry with clarity on safety and legal requirements to enable these products to be considered for sale Rolling out a new approach to food standards inspections across all local authorities in England and consulting on new approaches to food hygiene controls Growing our support for trade by working with Defra on six international audits of UK standards, helping UK food exporters to access new markets and continue to trade in existing markets.