Research and analysis

Food and feed law: legislation review (January - March 2018)

Fourth quarterly report providing information and updates on UK food and feed law and related scientific and regulatory issues

• From: Government Chemist
• Published: 25 July 2018

Documents

Food and feed law: Compendium of UK food and feed legislation with associated context and changes during January - March 2018

PDF, 1.25 MB, 105 pages

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Details

This is the fourth in a series of quarterly reports produced under the Government Chemist Programme 2017-2020. The reports provide a compendium of UK food and feed law of interest to the Government Chemist, Public Analysts and those working primarily in food and feed standards. The aim is to provide regular updates, to ensure contextual awareness and assist in the interpretation of chemical measurement data.

In keeping with the changed emphasis that withdrawal from the European Union is likely to bring, the reports now attempt to include developments in Codex (Codex Alimentarius) and other major trading blocs such as the US. International and European measures are cited along with the implementing domestic legislation. Potentially temporary and local measures, such as prohibition legislation for shellfish harvesting areas, have not been recorded.

The main issues which cut across multiple areas are concerned with UK exiting the EU, reports from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisations (WHO). The report also provides information about the newly formed Food and Drink Sector Council.

This report covers a wide range of updates in technical areas. Developments in European Court cases related to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), contaminants in refined oils, food additives and food contact materials are covered. Novel Foods Regulations came into force during the period, and in that area the report covers the authorisation to place in the market of both Ecklonia cava phlorotannins (obtained via alcohol extraction from the edible marine alga Ecklonia cava) and a traditional Korean preparation containing three main families of compounds (coumarins, iridoids and phenols) that is meant to provide relief from the symptoms of menopause.

Other topics where legislation has been updated or reviewed are for pesticide residues, seaweed (metals and iodine) and the sugar levy introduced for the soft drink industry.

The report is extensive and covers in detail all the topics mentioned and more.

Published 25 July 2018