Melissa Snover

Upcoming elections in Europe and the UK could spark fresh debate and policy activity around regulation of food supplements and herbal products, the director general of the Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) has suggested in an interview with Natural Newsdesk . Martin Last says that many of issues that had previously preoccupied the supplements industry in the UK and across Europe had essentially been “put on hold”. “Leading up to the June elections in Europe the working groups of the Commission have been busily ticking boxes to show that by the end of their term, they’ve performed their functions. There will be a quiet period until the new Commission comes into place. That change will likely spark a whole range of new issues. We could see things like maximum levels, the herbals directive and health claims coming right back to the forefront. Our government is normally running slightly behind that because they are watching what’s going on Europe and saying, ‘do we need to apply that in the UK?’. So these big issues are likely to back come here.” To read the full report, follow the link below. https://lnkd.in/eVfwE29c

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SUPPORT YOUR BRAIN: Yet another published study indicating a direct link between the synergistic effect of certain nutrients and brain health. My personal favourites supplied by Primal Food Store (a UK distributor) include: Vitamins D3 + K2 MK4/MK7 in a liposome formulation Nannochloropsis gaditana micro-algae includes Omega-3 EPA/DHA/DPA Extra Virgin Olive Oil (from Greece/Crete) Extra Virgin Wild Flax oil (EU)   Quote from a recent published study: “In conclusion, in our community‐based sample, concurrent suboptimal status of n‐3 PUFAs, homocysteine, and vitamin D is associated with the risk of dementia. The results support earlier observations that multiple‐nutrient suboptimal status is HIGHLY DETRIMENTAL FOR BRAIN AGEING, suggesting that nutrition is a key modifiable risk factor for dementia.” Study link: https://lnkd.in/eN5qmQVd

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has given the green light to the first two 'positive safety assessments' for CBD products as part of its ongoing novel foods authorisation process. This move by the FSA aims to tackle industry concerns and ensure regulations stay abreast of advancements in the field. It represents a significant advancement in the UK's CBD novel food sector after over a year of stagnation 👏 Read more from Business of Cannabis below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eAWRnSpm #FSA #NovelFoods #CBDIndustry

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🌹 UK Medical Cannabis in Full Bloom—High-THC Flower Leads the Way Exclusive insights into the evolution of the UK market have been unveiled for the first time thanks to Cannamonitor’s in-depth analysis of over 180,000 privately prescribed items in England last year. With the market doubling annually in recent years, we anticipate 2023’s final data to surpass 250,000 prescribed items. Key Data Insights Include: 💐 Flower Dominates: Inflorescences accounted for a striking 79% of all prescribed items last year—93% of which for THC-dominant flower. 🛢️Stable Oil Market: Oils grew in absolute terms but lost market share to 20% of prescribed items last year, evenly split across THC categories. 💨 Emerging Products Still Gaining Traction: Although innovative formats like vape cartridges and softgels have entered the market, they have yet to significantly appear in prescription data. 🔧 Flower Market Concentration: Despite >110 varieties being prescribed, the TOP 10 made up 60% of the flower market, and 20 accounted for 80%, with a clear focus on indica-leaning hybrids like GG#4 and GSC. 🇪🇺 European Supply Chain: Unlike other international markets dominated by Canadian products, 75% of the UK’s supply comes from European producers—primarily Portugal, Spain and Macedonia. 🍁 Canadian Products on the Rise: However, prescriptions of Canadian products doubled between 2022 and 2023, likely driven by a more attractive demand market in the UK and appetite for higher THC potency (56% of products with >24% THC come from Canada). 🌡️ Shift Towards Higher THC: Despite market growth in all THC categories, the segment of >24% THC flower saw the largest market share increase, jumping from only 3% of flower prescriptions in 2022 to 22% in 2023. 🏇 Competitive Market Dynamics: The UK’s competitive landscape is evolving, with several brands shifting positions. However, Curaleaf International strengthened its lead across product categories in 2023. These insights are just a snapshot of the detailed analysis in our upcoming report, diving deeper into the UK’s medical cannabis market: → Market share breakdown of UK brands → Insights into distributor portfolios → Key information on suppliers to the UK market → In-depth prescribed product analytics 💡 What are your thoughts on the future of the UK medical cannabis market? Drop your insights or questions in the comments below! And if you found this information useful, don’t forget to give it a 👍 and 🔃 with your network to keep the conversation growing!

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So, it's just over a week since the Food Standards Agency effectively confirmed the creation of a #monopoliesmarket with the authorisation of novel applications from Pureis® Ultra Pure CBD and Cannaray Limited. I've warned of that for two years, and now my fears have been realised. They did not have products available to the consumer on or before 13/02/20, the FSA know it, yet they've done everything they can to protect those applications from serious and legitimate scrutiny. Don't believe me? Look at the PDF below, which shows the FSA's analysis of Cannaray's and Pureis' applications in April 2023. Cannaray couldn't prove sales before 13/02/20, and Pureis allegedly rebranded, meaning that both of their products were 'new to market' after the deadline date. I know that the FSA has removed products from the public list due to them not being available to the consumer on or before 13/02/20, with one case as recent as February this year, after the ACNFP had discussed whether to authorise Cannaray's and Pureis' applications earlier in that month. What's more, we were told rebranding is a no-no, as it would lead to 'new products' which wouldn't qualify for the CBD amnesty. Yet if the brief from the FSA is anything to go by, Pureis was awarded that luxury with no consequence. I've seen loads of posts from people saying "Never mind all that's happened before, there are authorisations, movement, and we should be happy for that!". But steady on, munchkins. MONOPOLIES MARKET!!! Pureis and Cannaray have been given an unfair market advantage, by a regulatory authority, despite them not qualifying for a process that was defined by that very authority. And in the two years I've been trying to get others to speak out about this, the FSA has actively enforced their rules that if applied to all, fairly, would have meant that those applications wouldn't have been validated, let alone authorised, through the CBD amnesty route! So where does 'this' all end? Are we going to see other applications authorised despite not obliging the rules that the FSA insists others follow? I think so, and if you think movement is good regardless of the impact to the industry, I also think you need to look at the definition of monopolies market (and #oligopolies), and then re-evaluate your position accordingly.

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Series Introduction: “I Have a Dream - Transforming CBMP Healthcare for All” In 2018, the UK experienced a historic, pivotal shift in the healthcare sector; Billy’s case led to the legalisation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) for specific conditions, offering hope to thousands. Yet, six years later, we must stop and ask ourselves: how much progress has really been made? In this 10-week series, “I Have a Dream,” I will examine the journey of cannabis-based medicines in the UK. We will confront the victories, the struggles, and the untold stories along the way. We will hear from patients, dive deep into data and expert opinions, and explore the policies shaping this movement. Together, we will envision a future where healthcare is truly for everyone. What You Can Expect: 1. Misinformation: Debunking myths with verified data. 2. Misleading Practices: The harm of poor industry practices, the inconsistent supply and quality of CBMPs and the role of unethical lobbying. 3. Industry Scalability: Why the sector's growth is stunted, using real-life examples. 4. Patient Choice: Addressing the gap between prescriptions and patient access. 5. Consistency: How vertically integrated clinics provide quality care. 6. Tracking Outcomes: Looking at the data clinics use to improve patient well-being. 7. Accessibility: Creating a seamless, patient-centered experience. 8. Value in Care: The important role of specialised consultants. 9. Open Forums: The need for unbiased patient platforms. 10. Regulatory Challenges: How regulations have impacted patient care. Join me next week as we kick off with series 1. Let’s turn this dream into reality!

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❌your custard, baked goods, chocolate or ice-cream might contain food additives that harm your gut microbiome 😱😱😱 👉check your ingredient list!!! Food emulsifier POLYSORBATE 80 (P80) has been shown to harm gut bacteria, cause leaky gut and create more intestinal inflammation. 👉the European Food Safety Authority identified food emulsifiers as an emerging risk 😞 In the UK there are 63 different types of emulsifiers used and over 6000 foods contain emulsifiers, many MULTIPLE emulsifiers. They are used to make ice-cream silkier, and baked goods softer as they act like a detergent and help combine oil and water. ❌watch E numbers ❌cut out P80 Always check ingredients - ultra-processed foods are more likely to contain emulsifiers, P80, and other preservatives. I also like making ice-cream and have control over quality. Your gut microbiome is an ORGAN. Treat it with ❤️ LOVE. My gut reset is on sale til Friday. Get in there and repair your gut. Did you know about P80??! #gutmicrobiome #guthealthmatters #gutfriendly #foodaddiction #foodbloggers #healthycooking #healthybaking #foodasmedicine

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Are you up to speed with the newest edition of Nutrition Insight magazine 'The worlds of food ingredients'? Interesting read on the 'Future of fermentation' from Missy Green   Fermedics - Unlocking nature’s potency is featuring in this article, pages 24-26 Link in comments below 👇🏽 #Fermedics #fermentation #fermentedingredients #botanicals #botanicalIngredients #brandedIngredients #healthandnutrition #healthandwellness #nutraceuticals #foodsupplements

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UK FSA Recommends Authorisation for CBD Products The first two recommendations for Authorisation for the safety of CBD at up to 10mg as Food Supplements have been made today. Firstly, we should congratulate the UK FSA and FSS for having the ability to make a decision that the EU Commission/EFSA is so unwilling to make that they have halted all consideration of such applications and demanded the production of data which is as self-defeating in its nature as it is impossible to obtain in the context of what is it being said to be required to establish. However, it is to be noted that each of the Applications recommended for Authorisation is limited to 10mg. This begs the question whether the applicants were required to compromise their science in order to achieve regulatory advancement and secure market share, be unshackled from the Public List and seek to take commercial advantage from being the first “fully regulatory approved” products into the market? At TCC we currently have Client applications progressing within the Risk Assessment phase which undoubtedly demonstrate safety at 50+ mg per day. If the two applications could also prove safety beyond that which they accepted and/or has been imposed upon them, then it sounds very much like they were left with the choice of “be Authorised quickly at 10mg or don’t be Authorised at all and we will consider your application once we have ploughed through all of the 100+ other applications and seen if those applicants will accept what we propose, while we use their collective data to update our initial safety assessment”. If that is right then it would seem that the FSA/ACNFP/COT are seeking to corral applications into the 10mg position, with the potential promise of “we will look again when we have eradicated the backlog and collated all of the safety data which is within all of the applications”. A word of warning for those who consider the compromise in the hope of a swift re-assessment: we have recently been involved with a non-CBD Novel Food re-assessment in respect of an increased daily intake. The initial Authorisation took place in 2013/2014, the application for a re-assessment vis-a-vis an increased dose was made in 2015/2016. It was granted in 2023, despite all of the data having been available at the point of the re-assessment request. Those who compromise may be swift to market and reap the rewards afforded those who are quick to market, but those who hold out and establish a 50+ mg daily intake level will have price economies of scale, improved shelf space benefits, much lower price per mg and hence much greater profits - there may well be a lot of companies with decisions to make - stay on the public list (with your higher dose product) and fight hard for Authorisation at 50+ mg, or compromise at 10 mg (as they will undoubtedly be pressured to do), have minimal functional benefit, but claim “Authorisation”. Remember what we always say: Be Careful Who You Listen To.

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NEW RESEARCH // Are Eateries Doing Enough? UK Consumers Report Food Allergy Concerns A report on food allergens has just been released by High-Speed Training, a private UK company. It presents data from an online YouGov survey conducted with 2,134 UK participants in January 2024. The report aims to highlight the level of consumer awareness, understanding and impact of food hypersensitivities while also calling for enhanced safety measures within the food industry. Case studies are showcased in the report to help guide other businesses to effectively manage food allergens. https://ow.ly/ZjEV50Rb18o #foodservice #foodallergens #foodsafety

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ABM Briefing: Killers of the Cereal Hamster wheel State of Agrifood tech - 25th November 2024 1/ Finding Neverland in Agrifood Systems A critical look at Gullspång Re:food and Adam Partners’ thesis and recent report on transforming agrifood systems; double-clicking on the distinction between public and private capital; reviewing agrifood investment themes classified based on asset classes. 2/ Killers of the Cereal Hamster Wheel Brothers and Sisters of the Indo-Gangetic plains, whether from India or Pakistan, breathe poisonous air (with AQI>300) today, thanks to farmers getting terminally stuck in the rice and wheat hamster wheel. Peeling the onion layers of this intractable problem to explore transformative possibilities. 3/ Making Sense of ELICIT PLANT’s €45 Million Fundraise Categorizing Eliterra - The Elicit Plant Technology Platform based on ABM Agribiotech Platform Typology; How to evaluate the potential of phytosterols- plant cousin of cholesterol -and other secondary metabolites in agri-input biologicals? 4/ Does India Have a Palm Oil Problem? With India’s palm oil imports increasing, you could argue that palm oil is the most efficient oil crop per hectare, and rising production could improve smallholder farmers' incomes and reduce foreign exchange losses. On the other hand, Papa Nigua's experiences tell a different story. 5/ Rural credit startup SarvaGram raises Rs 565 crore in Series D led by Peak XV Partners Link to the subscriber-only edition in the first comment. <Meme of the Week: State of Digital Ag in smallholding contexts like India when it is hobbled by both “State” and “Market”>

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"EIHA’s natural isolate CBD NFA (RP427) has satisfied all safety requirements, as determined by the UK Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP)." I hate distractions, especially when I'm working on something big. But as distractions go, this is quite a big one, which I have commented on previously, because all is not what it seems. I've received a few messages about EIHA's announcement on RP427, some are along the lines of "Have you seen this?", and the others are "We've seen nothing in regards to ADI's yet". Me personally, I've been quiet because I'm in the latter camp, and I'm waiting for that authorisation document. The reasons for that are simple: 1 - It's acknowledged by EIHA and press reports that the application is for isolate, but if you go to the application on the FSA website, you'll see that full and broad-spectrum products are not just listed, they've also been validated. So what will happen to those products when the application is marked as 'authorised'? 2 - And then we have the ADI. Go to the public list and type in 'RP427 20%'... Now change that the 'RP427 2000', then check other values and strengths like 15%/1500 and 30%/3000. Do you see that there are several hundred problems there? So why am I pre-empting the release of the final document, from the FSA, that will provide yet another head-scratching moment? There's two reasons for that: 1 - "(RP427) has satisfied all safety requirements, as determined by the UK Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes" That's a very bold statement, especially as the head of novel foods is reported to have stated to a room full of businesses that the ACNFP were not happy with RP427, days after that application was reviewed. 2 - Now THIS is the main reason for this post. Most will know that I submitted a complaint against the FSA's handling of novel foods which named companies and products that shouldn't be where they are, if the FSA was managing the process fairly. Yesterday, I received an email from one of those companies, seemingly acknowledging that I had written about them, but they were expressing concerns about the progression of RP427. It says a lot when a company that is seemingly at the end of preferential treatment, approaches me to basically say "Something isn't right!". There's no need to name this company, especially as I've invited them to a interview to address the concerns that surround their interests. But at the same time, it shows that all eyes are on RP427, and I'm not the only one waiting for the FSA document that explains how that application has been deemed to have "satisfied all safety requirements, as determined by the UK Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes "

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Most food manufacturers and retailers are working towards their own health targets, whether that’s reducing the proportion of their sales from HFSS foods or limiting portion sizes. 🍏 But as Britain grapples with an obesity crisis and increasing research links ultra-processed foods to chronic illnesses, is the food and beverage industry working quickly enough to make a positive impact on public health? 👩‍⚕️ I asked Caroline Cerny, Zoe Davies (ANutr), Mark Wijne and Ali Morpeth (RNutr) to share their thoughts on what manufacturers and retailers could do to better support healthy eating. Here's what they had to say in The Grocer:

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Ahiflower® oil is solely produced by Natures Crops International, a certified B-Corp, using a fully-traceable process. Ahiflower oil’s journey from the earth, to your bottle, begins with regenerative UK farming of proprietary and patent-protected Buglossoides arvensis crops, nourishing the land upon which it’s grown. Solvent-free expeller pressing, light refining, and filtration retains the oil’s rich natural omega-3-6-9 fatty acid profile whilst 100% nitrogen cover and frozen storage of all recycled steel bulk drum, minimises product exposure to oxygen. The nitrogen cover protects Ahiflower from the oxidative rancidity that lends an unpalatable smell and taste to many commonly consumed omega oils, alongside the undesirable promotion of free radical formation within our bodies.   Ahiflower is stringently tested to be free of any nasties you wouldn’t expect in a health product- and it’s also certified non-GMO, Kosher and Halal.  Our PhytoLove Ahiflower bottles undergo their own rigorous testing upon manufacture, and again at regular intervals to ensure that the product reaching you still delivers the promises we’re making. Natures Crops’ process assures the cleanest, greenest, most sustainable supply chain of any omega-3 ingredient, but especially compared to omega-3’s derived from wild ocean-harvested fish and commodity industrial seed oils. Ahiflower oil is truly an omega-3 solution beyond fish oil, one that doesn’t cost the Earth. You can rest assured you’re making a positive choice- for your body, and for the planet.

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Eating Better alliance partner, UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has published an evidence-based policy report: Plant-powered Planet: Building a healthy & sustainable food system. The report was produced in collaboration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), The UK Kidney Association, and Plant-Based Health Professionals UK. Andrew Stark, Eating Better's Senior Research and Policy Manager said: "Plant-powered Planet is an important contribution in connecting the dots between our health and the food we eat. It outlines how an increase in fruit and veg consumption and production can deliver multiple benefits for our health, our environment and our producers. Healthcare systems are a key part of our food environment and an important tool in making healthy and sustainable diets a reality across the UK, as set out in the public procurement action (https://lnkd.in/gVSRzdfr) in our Better by Half Roadmap." Learn more and read the report here: https://lnkd.in/e-z6Eztb #EatingBetter #Health #Healthcare #Sustainability #FoodSystems #UKHACC #HealthProfessionals

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Exciting news! THREE New Positive Novel Food Opinions from the UK Food Standards Agency! 📄 Pasteurised Akkermansia muciniphila, a groundbreaking next-generation postbiotic that is reported in the literature to support a healthy gut and promote weight management, was considered safe for use in food supplements and in foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) for those aged 12 years and above. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gSFVuyZD. Cellobiose, the basic building block of cellulose and a purely plant-based renewable resource, is intended for use as a sugar replacement in a variety of food products, as well as in food supplements. See here for more: https://lnkd.in/gGAhgWZH. UV-treated mushroom powder is produced by the controlled exposure of cultivated mushrooms to ultraviolet light, which increases their production of vitamin D (the same as occurs naturally when mushrooms are exposed to sunlight!). It was considered safe for use in various food and beverage products, as well as in food supplements and in foods for special medical purposes and offers a plant-based solution to those hoping to supplement their vitamin D intake without consumption of animal-based sources. See the full opinion here: https://lnkd.in/g4sD3ZjH. All of these novel foods have passed the rigorous Food Standards Agency risk assessment process, and now proceed to the risk management stage, prior to approval and being seen on your supermarket shelves in the UK. Intertek can provide all the support you need for gaining approval of your novel foods in the UK, as well as other key markets globally. To know more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gnbzvgZt #Intertek #IntertekAssuris #FSA #FSS #NovelFood #NF

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