Deadline for acknowledgement of engagement from ACI members in the Novel Foods application process set to 20 December. This is the first major step towards a fully-compliant CBD industry in the UK.
LONDON — Tuesday, 10 December 2019 — The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) has everything in place to start processing Novel Foods applications from our raw-product manufacturing members.
This follows a detailed assessment of multiple world-class testing laboratories headed by ACI Regulatory and Compliance Lead, Dr Parveen Bhatarah and supported by Dr Sarah Gaunt from Global Regulatory Services (GRS). GRS have partnered with ACI to ensure that Novel Foods applications from our members cover all the necessary bases. GRS are well versed in the Novel Foods application process.
The study identified which organizations best meet ACI’s stringent criteria, defined by Dr Parveen Bhatarah, and will be in a position to support ACI and our members in the Novel Food application process.
The evaluation of the testing authorities included a review of their analytical laboratory standards and their regulatory compliance to international standards. They were also evaluated as to the state of the technology used for testing. It was important for ACI to clearly understand the laboratories current CBD and controlled substance method validation status. Providing consistent test results is key to ensuring the industry is mature enough to embark on such high-level authorisations as Novel Foods assessments.
The initial tests on the raw materials themselves will be analysis for cannabinoids, terpenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, microbiology, mycotoxins, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals and genotoxicity.
We will also be working with a UK University, who are one of the world-leaders in food safety studies, to perform a GAP analysis for the Novel Foods application submissions. This will give ACI a clear indication of the final requirements for each submission.
ACI have notified all our members that this process will begin and those within the company responsible for regulatory affairs are in the process of finalising the details and providing samples for their respective application.
The deadline for acknowledgement of engagement from our members in the Novel Foods application process is 20th December.
This timeline will ensure that testing will commence in the new year with actual applications being submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) within 3 to 6 months, depending on the results of the GAP analysis.
QUOTES
Dr Parveen Bhatarah, Regulatory and Compliance Lead, ACI
“As more European countries enforce regulations based on EFSA’s Novel Foods classification of CBD it is essential ACI take this important first step to demonstrate we have a clear plan to ensure legal compliance for the industry within the UK and EU.”
Dr Sarah Gaunt, Global Regulatory Services
“Through a thorough analysis of world-class testing laboratories we were able to identify the ideal partners to assist ACI, ensuring we compile watertight Novel Foods applications for our members. This enables us to create a solid foundation for building a responsible and safe industry in Europe and beyond.”
Wendi Young, Vice President, Regulatory and Compliance, Mile High Lab
“Mile High Labs has been preparing for our novel foods application over the last few months. As a company which has led calls for better regulation across the industry, we support the novel foods process and encourage all those involved in the sector to do everything possible to bolster consumer confidence by ensuring that they are compliant with the process.”
About The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry
The ACI is an industry body which is committed to nurturing a safe, legal and well regulated CBD market in the UK. Our vision is to create an innovative, sustainable sector that meets the highest standards in product quality, consumer satisfaction and environmental stewardship.
Find out more about the ACI at its website, https://www.theaci.co.uk/
Contact: Steve Moore, steve@thecmcuk.org +44 7870 515025
