Novel foods

Information for businesses on how to make sure the food products you sell comply with the novel food legislation

Chia seeds in a wooden spoon on top of more scattered chia seeds

Novel foods are classed by law as foods that don't have a ‘significant history of consumption’ by people in the United Kingdom or European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997. 

Examples of novel foods include:

  • foods containing novel ingredients such as cannabidiol (CBD)
  • new foods such as spreads with dietary additions to reduce cholesterol
  • traditional foods eaten elsewhere in the world such as chia seeds
  • foods produced using novel treatments such as using ultraviolet (UV) light to increase the level of vitamin D in bread

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is responsible for novel food regulations in Scotland.

Visit the FSA website to view the novel foods authorisations register.

Cell-cultivated products

Guidance for businesses on cell-cultivated products and the authorisation process.

Cell-cultivated products
microscope pointing at science equipment

Cannabididol (CBD)

Information for businesses about using CBD in food products.

Find guidance on CBD
A dropper dispensing liquid into a small bottle set against a blurred green background
Did you find this helpful? We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your feedback!