As we experienced a bit more sun and (some) softened COVID restrictions across Europe, June marked a month where policymakers held important debates and announced policy initiatives relevant to the sector. Let’s look back at what the past month brought us.
It was a busy time for the UK. While G7 summit leaders met in Cornwall to discuss food waste, climate change and food safety, the country also secured a trade deal with Australia, and made steps in tackling obesity and overweight by confirming restrictions in advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
There were also calls to take advantage of Brexit. A UK Task Force published recommendations on the creation of a new regulatory framework for the fast-growing category of novel health enhancing foods and supplements, and the edible insect industry called for disentanglement of the sector from onerous rules and to put the UK at the forefront of the insect protein movement.
In the EU, we saw Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) went back on their plans to restrict marketing terms for plant-based dairy products.
With Slovenia’s take-over of Council presidency around the corner, we expect July to be a month where Europe picks up post-lockdown life with many fruitful (online) discussions, before a well-deserved summer holiday.
You can read this month’s most relevant developments in the food and nutrition space below:
G7’s food policy menu – G7 leaders met in Cornwall and pledged to take action to reduce food waste, discussed the linkage between food and climate change, and revitalised global action on food safety and security.
British Whisky and biscuits – on to Australia! – On 15th June, the UK and Australia announced their agreement on a trade deal that will eliminate many tariffs between both parties.
UK nips obesity in the bud – The UK government published several relevant papers that correspond to actions the government will take to tackle obesity and overweight and help adults and children to live healthier lives.
“No” to CAP Amendment 171 – MEPs backtracked on their initial vote to ban dairy-related terms such as ‘buttery’ and ‘creamy’ for the marketing of plant-based alternatives, as part of the negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy.
TIGRR says: “new framework for nutraceuticals”, PM lauds – Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson has responded positively to a UK Regulatory Reform Taskforce recommendation to establish a new regulatory framework for the nutraceutical sector in the UK.
Liberation of the edible insects – The UK’s edible insect industry is disappointed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)’s announcement that their products will have to go through authorisation again post-Brexit.
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If your business needs any support or advice in navigating these policy challenges, or if you have any questions about how these may impact your industry, please do get in touch by contacting Viviana Spaghetti, Director of European Affairs at Viviana.Spaghetti@whitehousecomms.com
