Consultation on proposed changes to the way regulated products are authorised
Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency are currently consulting, as the UK’s Food Safety authorities, on proposed changes to the way we authorise regulated products.
Proposed changes
The joint consultation details two proposed changes to the process of authorising regulated products and follows engagement with stakeholders. The proposed changes would:
Remove the requirement to renew authorisations for some products already authorised as safe at fixed intervals of every 10 years, regardless of whether there is any evidence on safety changes. Around 22% of the current caseload consists of renewal applications, and this is expected to rise to over 50% by 2027.
Remove the requirement to lay legislation to authorise regulated products. This proposed change would allow authorisations, following approval by Ministers, to come into effect following publication by Food Standards Scotland/Food Standards Agency (likely to be in the form of an official register), rather than setting them out in full in legislation. This change will shorten the administrative period before new, safe products can be sold, and introduce a more proportionate level of scrutiny for these technical authorisation decisions.
Required Action
Food Standards Scotland would like to hear from interested parties by 5 June 2024 on their views about the potential impact, benefits, and challenges around the proposed changes.
Please find attached a link to the joint Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency consultation on regulated products authorisation reform: