Novel Foods - Problem with labelling, testing and technology for processing

The main aim of this study is to understand the requirements for labelling, testing and processing of novel foods in the UK. This study further provides the background chronicle of the evolution of novel food in the UK with more searchlight beamed on the types of novel foods, technology used for processing and current consumer trends for this product category. It also examined the government regulation on novel foods, labelling requirements, testing and safety assessments of novel foods.

Systematic review approach was used to select and examine relevant research studies, and to extract and analyse the data from studies included in the review. A total of 57 studies were filtered out for review from the 965 records obtained from the databases. Also, additional 31 studies from 56 records obtained from regulatory websites of EFSA, FSA, DHSC, UK government legislative websites, official  government reports and publications were also included for the review.

The studies revealed that compliance to labelling regulations and requirements, passing the testing regime for toxicity and safety assessment, and the technology used for processing the novel foods are critical to its acceptability and market growth/development. The study revealed that the regulation, testing and processing of novel foods are different from conventional foods. The study also showed that novel foods are regulated within a regulatory framework specifically crafted to ensure that novel foods placement into the UK market are managed effectively by ensuring that they are safe for consumption and pose no risk to public health