Scotland CBD Novel Food Applications Consultation

Scotland Food Standards News

Published March 24th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

Food Standards Scotland has launched a 12-week public consultation on the first three applications for cannabidiol (CBD) products as novel foods in Scotland. The consultation seeks feedback on safety assessments, labelling, and enforcement to inform recommendations to Scottish Ministers on product authorisation.

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What changed

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has initiated a 12-week public consultation regarding the first three applications for CBD products to be authorized as novel foods in Scotland. This consultation is crucial as CBD is now subject to premarket authorization requirements. FSS is soliciting input on safety assessments, proposed authorization terms, labeling, and enforcement considerations. The feedback received will guide FSS's recommendations to Scottish Ministers, who will ultimately decide on the market authorization for these products.

Regulated entities, including CBD product manufacturers and distributors, along with consumers and enforcement bodies, are encouraged to participate. The consultation aims to ensure a transparent and well-regulated market for CBD food products. All responses must be submitted via the online questionnaire by the specified deadline, which is 12 weeks from the publication date of March 24, 2026. This process is vital for shaping the future regulatory landscape of CBD products in Scotland and ensuring consumer safety.

What to do next

Submit feedback via the online questionnaire on safety assessments, proposed terms of authorization, labelling requirements, and enforcement considerations for CBD novel food applications.
Review the consultation pack for detailed information and accessibility options.

Source document (simplified)

- News story

Food Standards Scotland launches consultation on first CBD novel food applications

Date published: 24 March 2026

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has today launched a 12-week public consultation on the first three applications seeking authorisation for cannabidiol (CBD) products as novel foods in Scotland.

The consultation invites views from consumers, industry, enforcement bodies and all stakeholders with an interest in CBD products, food safety and consumer protection.

The three applications are the first of their kind to come forward in Scotland since CBD was confirmed as a novel food and became subject to premarket authorisation requirements.

FSS is seeking feedback on a range of issues including safety assessments, the proposed terms of authorisation, labelling requirements, enforcement considerations, and protections for vulnerable groups. Responses will inform the final recommendations to Scottish Ministers, who will decide whether to authorise each product for the Scottish market.

Stephen Hendry, Head of Labelling and Standards at Food Standards Scotland, said: “This is an important moment for consumers and for Scotland’s CBD industry. These are the first CBD products to be assessed through the full novel foods authorisation process, and we want to ensure that our recommendations to Ministers are informed by a wide range of voices.

“We encourage businesses, local authorities, and members of the public to take part in this consultation and help shape a safe, transparent and well-regulated market for CBD food products in Scotland.”

All responses must be submitted through the online questionnaire available on Citizen Space. Further details, contact information and accessibility options can be found within the consultation pack.

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