The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published new guidance to help businesses developing cell-cultivated foods and other novel products navigate the approval process in Great Britain.

Produced with Food Standards Scotland, the guidance covers hygiene requirements, scientific evidence needed for market authorisation, advice on preparing applications and information on conducting taste trials.

The documents form part of the Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox Programme, a government-funded initiative running until February 2027.

It aims to help regulators and businesses understand how existing food rules apply to new and emerging technologies.

The organisation said the guidance is designed to give businesses greater regulatory clarity while upkeeping food safety standards.

FSA’s deputy director of innovation Dr Thomas Vincent, said: “Cell-cultivated products represent a genuinely new frontier for the food industry, and we want businesses to have the clearest possible picture of what is required to bring safe products to market.

“Consumer safety is non-negotiable, and these documents are ultimately about reducing barriers for emerging food technologies without compromising on safety standards.”

FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb added: “This guidance provides practical support that helps innovative companies move forward, backed by a science-led approach that protects public health.”

The FSA also said businesses developing cell-cultivated products can continue to access support from its Business Support Service until February 2027.

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