The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have published four new guidance documents to help companies developing cell-cultivated products and other novel foods navigate Great Britain’s regulatory approval process.

The publications form the second batch of guidance produced through the Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox Programme, a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology-funded initiative running until February 2027.

The programme brings regulators, businesses and researchers together to develop a shared understanding of how existing food regulations apply to cell-cultivated products.

These products are made by growing animal or plant cells into food without conventional farming methods such as rearing livestock or growing crops. The Sandbox Programme is focused specifically on products made using animal cells.

The new guidance covers food hygiene requirements for cell-cultivated products, including how general food law and hygiene regulations apply during production.

It also sets out scientific requirements for novel food applications, including the information businesses should provide on cell-line identity, production methods and the management of microbiological hazards.

A separate document offers recommendations intended to help businesses submit more complete market authorisation applications and avoid common issues that can result in delays or requests for further information.

The fourth publication provides additional information for companies conducting novel food taste trials as part of research and development. It supplements guidance published in 2025 and outlines businesses’ responsibilities when trialling products such as cell-cultivated foods.

Thomas Vincent, deputy director of innovation at the FSA, said cell-cultivated products represented “a genuinely new frontier for the food industry”.

He added: “This guidance reflects the knowledge we have built through engagement with industry and academia through the Sandbox, and is designed to make the path to authorisation more transparent and efficient".

“Consumer safety is non-negotiable, and these documents are ultimately about reducing barriers for emerging food technologies without compromising on safety standards.”

FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb said greater regulatory clarity could help innovative food companies attract investment and expand production.

“This guidance provides practical support that helps innovative companies move forward, backed by a science-led approach that protects public health,” she added.

Companies developing cell-cultivated products can also access the Sandbox Programme’s Business Support Service, which provides direct engagement with FSA and FSS regulatory experts until February 2027.