Regulation of Novel Foods in the UK: Everything you need to know (and how to buy from our website now)

In recent years, the UK CBD market has undergone an unprecedented transformation. Since cannabidiol (CBD) was officially classified as a Novel Food in 2019, any food product or supplement containing it requires prior authorization from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to be legally marketed. This measure was a response to the lack of labeling controls, the presence of varying levels of CBD, and, in some cases, illegal percentages of THC in unregulated products ( Food Standards Agency) .

What does it mean to be a Novel Food in the UK?

The term Novel Food refers to foods that were not consumed to a significant extent in the European Union before 1997. CBD falls into this category, which means it must undergo strict safety assessments and regulatory processes to ensure consumer health.

Since 2020, the FSA has established that:

- All CBD products already on the market before February 13, 2020, could continue to be sold provisionally , provided they submitted their application before March 31, 2021 .

- Any new product without a validated application must be withdrawn until official authorization was obtained.

This regulatory framework has marked a before and after for manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.

Recent advances in regulation

In 2024 and 2025, key steps have been taken:

- Validation is not authorization : The FSA distinguishes between validated products (whose documentation is sufficient for evaluation) and authorized products (fully approved for sale). Currently, thousands of products are in the validation phase, awaiting final evaluation.

- First products with positive reports : In May 2024, Cannaray Brands and Chanelle McCoy received favorable safety assessments for CBD with purity above 98%. Later, in July, the EIHA consortium—which represents more than 2,500 products—advanced the process. This represents a decisive step toward full regulation.

- Recommendations for 2025 : The FSA has announced that it will submit proposals for the first CBD Novel Foods to receive final authorization between spring and summer of this year.

Responsible consumption: limits and warnings

The FSA recommends a maximum intake of 10 mg of CBD per day for healthy adults , based on studies of liver and thyroid function. It also advises against its use in:

- Minors under 18 years of age

- Pregnant or breastfeeding women

- People on medication or with liver problems

(Source: Food Standards Agency )

How does this affect the consumer?

For the end user, these regulations guarantee safer products, with clear labeling and certified testing . However, the slow and complex process has meant that many products have disappeared from the market, while brands with approved applications have gained prominence.

Good news! You can now buy from our website from the UK.

At Natura Green CBD , we closely monitor these regulatory developments to ensure our products comply with FSA guidelines. That's why:

- All our products comply with current regulations and come from suppliers undergoing validation.

- We guarantee purity, laboratory analysis and transparent labeling .

- You can now place orders from the UK directly through our website, with secure and discreet shipping.

- Quality and legality are our priority. You just worry about enjoying the benefits of CBD, we'll take care of the rest.

Want to know more about our products and shipping to the UK?

Explore our store and discover the best selection of certified CBD so you can shop with complete confidence.