The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have launched a new system that allows businesses to make applications for regulated products.

Launched on 20 June 2023, the new system helps businesses follow the correct procedure when it comes to securing the necessary authorisation to sell regulated food and feed products, according to the FSA.

Labelling it as a “new, more efficient system”, the FSA has said that it was designed to make it “easier for applicants” to understand what information is required to submit a good-quality, complete application for their product. They go on to claim that it will be “particularly helpful” for new businesses and those that don’t traditionally recognise themselves as food or feed businesses, such as start-ups. 

When applying for product approval, applicants will be provided with a checklist of what is required. They will now be allowed “more time” for the application and supporting material to be uploaded and completed. What’s more they will be able to see the progress of their application.

The FSA has said that applicants will also receive regular updates, which they will be able to respond to.

Additionally, the system will support renewals but will reportedly not affect applications already in progress on the previous system.

Commenting on the new system, Sarah Houghton, Deputy Director for Regulatory Services at the FSA said: “We are delighted to be launching the new system today. The FSA is an innovator and we want to provide the best possible systems and guidance to businesses to help them through the authorisation process

“Beyond the continuous improvement plans for the current system, the FSA is also actively pursuing a much wider programme of reform in line with UK Government priorities,” continued Houghton. She explained that this includes exploring ways in which the FSA can “streamline the regulatory process”.