Plans for a CBD safety certification programme in the UK have been announced, as the industry readies itself for new FSA regulations set to come into force next year.
Launched by The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (The ACI), the programme will be composed of three tiers, each representing the necessary steps to gaining full novel foods authorisation from the FSA.
The scheme is part of The ACI’s plan to bring a level of trust to the CBD industry, something they believe is currently lacking.
The certification will be composed of three tiers, each representing the necessary steps to gaining full Novel Foods Authorisation from the FSA, which will be required if CBD manufacturers wish to continue to trade normally after 31 March 2021.
The CBD market has grown significantly in the UK within the past year, with recent research putting the value of the UK CBD market at £300m, and forecast to grow to be worth more than £1bn in the next 5 years. While CBD products have increased in popularity, there has been some confusion about how best to regulate the market.
ACI Pharmacy lead, Dr Andy Yates said “It’s been clear that retailers and consumers don’t have complete faith in CBD products that are currently for sale in the UK. The ACI’s Certification is a simple way for retailers and consumers to be sure that the CBD products they are stocking or buying are complying with or working towards all of the relevant regulations.”
The ACI has positioned its self as the leading industry body, pushing for stronger regulation of the CBD industry in the UK, with a vision to “create an innovative, sustainable sector that meets the highest standards in product quality, consumer satisfaction and environmental stewardship.” They anticipate that the first certified products will be available on shelves by the end of the summer.
The programme will be composed of three tiers, each representing the necessary steps to gaining full novel foods authorisation.
- Tier 1 – CertifiedAn ACI member has proven to comply with The ACI’s 7 pillar charter. This means that they have passed an audit, from The ACI, verifying they have a quality management system in place that ensures they operate to best manufacturing standards.
- Tier 2 – ValidatedTo gain The ACI Validation a company must have their Novel Foods application validated by the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and/or EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
- Tier 3 – AuthorisedThis Certification will be granted when a company has had their Novel Foods application authorised by the FSA and/or EFSA. This will be subject to annual review.
Full details of the certification scheme can be found on The ACI website: https://www.theaci.co.uk/the-aci-certification/
