The British Food Standard Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation on transitional arrangements for edible insects in Great Britain that will remain open until August 10, 2022.
The FSA is seeking stakeholder comments on a proposed legislated transitional period under the novel food regulations for edible insects in England, Scotland and Wales. The proposal has been developed with input from Food Standards Scotland (FSS) presents legislated transitional arrangements for the edible insects within scope of Article 35(2) of 2015/2283 provided that the insects:
- were marketed in the EU (by any food business operator) before 1 January 2018;
- were the subject of an application to the EU (by any food business operator) by 1 January 2019; and
- are the subject of an application made to GB authorities (by any food business operator) before 31 December 2023.
The edible insects in the scope of the proposal would be permitted to remain on the market in Great Britain until Ministers decide on the authorisation, or until the authorisation process concludes in some other way (e.g. is withdrawn by the applicant). The legislation will make it clear that food businesses supplying edible insects must pass through the Great Britain authorisation process if they are to remain on the market.
