The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced the launch of a new innovation hub dedicated to precision fermented foods, supported by £1.4 million in funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO). The hub is designed to strengthen regulatory expertise for novel food technologies and ensure safe pathways for innovation in the UK food sector.
Supporting Innovation in Food & Beverage Life Sciences
The initiative aims to accelerate the safe introduction of precision fermented foods—an emerging category where microbes are engineered to produce proteins, fats and other functional ingredients. This technology has the potential to transform food systems by delivering sustainable, nutritious alternatives to traditional animal and plant-based sources.
Clearer Guidance for Industry
By creating a dedicated innovation hub, the FSA will provide businesses and investors with clearer regulatory advice on precision fermentation and related food technologies. This approach is intended to de-risk innovation, improve consumer confidence, and position the UK as a leader in advanced food science.
Driving Sustainability and Consumer Trust
Precision fermentation is increasingly recognised as a key tool for building more sustainable global food systems. By aligning regulation with innovation, the FSA aims to help industry meet consumer demand for safe, transparent and environmentally responsible products.
