ACI partners with Trading Standards ahead of looming novel foods deadline

The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) has partnered with Trading Standards as the industry prepares for the novel foods compliance deadline

The agreement, approved by the Secretary of State last week, will allow the ACI and its members to seek general and legally-binding advice from Trading Standards officials.

From March 31, products on the market without a validated novel foods application face being pulled from shelves.

Trading Standards will monitor the marketplace and maintain a National Intelligence Database to support officers.

ACI Innovation Director, Leila Simpson, said:

“We are thrilled to further support the sale of safe and compliant CBD in the UK through this partnership with Trading Standards.

“This will enable us to ensure our members are getting the best available advice to help raise the standards of the industry and more easily share intelligence with the regulator about non-compliant products after the Novel Foods 31st March 2021 deadline.”

The Coordinated Primary Authority Partnership will also include a two-way educational agreement.

The ACI will provide educational webinars and develop literature to support Trading Standards officers to identify non-compliant products.

Meanwhile, Trading Standards will provide bespoke educational resources to the ACI and its members on topics such as labelling, food safety management and advertising claims.

Michele Manson, Business Team Manager at Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, said:

“Buckinghamshire and Surrey trading standards are delighted with this opportunity of working in partnership with the ACI to embed regulatory compliance into a rapidly developing trade sector.

“Helping new and growing businesses to find a clearer path through legislative requirements is an important way for us to support economic growth and protect our local residents.”