Save
OFF your first purchase
when you subscribe to our newsletter!
Understanding Novel Foods in the UK: Why Cold Pressed CBD Oils Don’t Require Listing
In the UK, the term “Novel Foods” has caused a lot of confusion in the CBD industry. Many people mistakenly believe that any CBD product not on the Novel Foods register is illegal or unsafe. This is not true and understanding the distinction is important for consumers and businesses alike.
Understanding the regulations surrounding CBD products is crucial for anyone considering their use. The NOVEL FOODS framework aims to ensure product safety and efficacy. For instance, it requires comprehensive scientific data to back the claims made about any new food product, including CBD oils. This process may initially seem daunting, but it ultimately serves to protect consumers and encourage the development of high quality products in the market.
Many consumers are curious about how these regulations affect the products they use daily. It’s essential to recognise that while some products require NOVEL FOODS authorisation, others do not, which can lead to misconceptions about legality. With the rise in popularity of CBD, staying informed can empower consumers to choose products that meet their needs while complying with safety standards.
To clarify, the NOVEL FOODS regulation applies to any food ingredient that has not been significantly consumed within the EU prior to May 1997. Thus, products like CBD extracts that were not marketed before this date must undergo rigorous evaluation before they can be legally sold. This includes comprehensive testing for safety, nutritional value, and any possible side effects.
1. What Novel Foods Really Is
For example, companies must provide evidence that their CBD oils are safe for consumption, which includes detailed studies on the extraction process, the source of the hemp, and the final product’s chemical composition. This requirement helps to foster trust in the industry, ensuring that consumers are not exposed to harmful substances.
Additionally, it’s vital to understand the difference between CBD isolates and full-spectrum oils. The former, being highly concentrated, may not have undergone the same rigorous testing as whole-plant extracts, which can contain a broader array of cannabinoids and terpenes. This distinction can influence the effects experienced by users, making it crucial to choose the right product based on personal health needs and preferences.
Novel Foods is a regulatory system for food ingredients. Its goal is simple:
To determine whether a food ingredient requires pre-market authorisation before being sold as a food in the UK.
It is not a criminal test. It does not make products illegal, and it does not create safety concerns by itself.
Novel Foods is about market authorisation, not banning products. It governs how a product may be legally sold, not whether it may exist.
2. CBD Isolates vs. Cold‑Pressed Whole‑Plant Oils
A key point often misunderstood:
- CBD isolates (pure CBD extracts)
These are highly concentrated, purified extracts of cannabidiol. Because they were not commonly consumed in foods before 1997, companies producing CBD isolates in the UK generally had to submit applications to the Novel Foods register to sell them legally. - Cold‑pressed, whole‑plant CBD oils
Oils made using cold-press extraction from the whole hemp plant — without chemical isolation or heat — are different.- These are closer to traditional hemp seed oils
- They contain naturally occurring cannabinoids in their original plant ratios
- Crucially, they do NOT require a Novel Foods listing in most cases
This distinction is important: Many people wrongly assume that all CBD products must be on the Novel Foods list, when in fact cold-pressed whole-plant CBD oils are exempt from this requirement.
3. Why TheCBDExpert.co.uk’s Products Are Legal and Safe
As the industry continues to evolve, consumers should remain vigilant and prioritise transparency from brands. Look for companies that openly share their testing results and the sources of their hemp. This not only ensures safety but also promotes ethical practices within the CBD sector.
TheCBDExpert.co.uk offers cold‑pressed CBD oils, and here’s why they are fully compliant and lawful in the UK:
TheCBDExpert.co.uk is a prime example of a company that adheres to these regulations, maintaining high standards of quality. They pride themselves on being transparent about their extraction methods, sourcing only organic hemp and ensuring that their products remain free from harmful chemicals and additives.
- No Novel Foods listing required
Their cold-pressed extraction method means they are not legally required to appear on the Novel Foods register. - THC limits respected
Their oils meet UK legal requirements for THC content, ensuring they are safe and legal to consume. - No safety concerns
Cold-pressed oils are gentle, chemical-free, and preserve natural compounds. There is no evidence of harm from these products when used responsibly. - No laws broken
- The company does not make medical claims
- The products comply with UK food safety and labelling rules
- The products are fully lawful for purchase and consumption in the UK
✅ In other words, TheCBDExpert.co.uk is a lawful UK CBD business, offering safe, high-quality cold-pressed oils without the regulatory burdens that apply to CBD isolates.
4. Why the Industry Confuses Novel Foods With Criminality
Some brands and commentators have suggested that products not on the Novel Foods list are illegal. This is wrong.
Novel Foods is not a criminal test:
- Consumers can safely buy and use cold-pressed CBD oils
- Businesses selling these oils are not committing a crime
- The FSA regulates Novel Foods for food safety and market authorisation, not to punish lawful products
5. Takeaways for UK Consumers
- Cold-pressed CBD oils do not require Novel Foods listing
- CBD isolates usually do require it
- No safety concerns exist for responsibly produced cold-pressed oils
- TheCBDExpert.co.uk is fully legal and compliant with UK law
For British consumers, this means you can enjoy high quality, natural cold-pressed CBD oils without worrying about legality, Novel Foods listings, or hidden risks.
Moreover, consumers should be aware of the potential benefits of cold-pressed oils, which retain essential nutrients and compounds that can enhance the overall efficacy of the product. By choosing cold-pressed options, users may experience better results compared to standard CBD isolates, which can lose some beneficial properties during the extraction process.
It’s important to highlight that the market is becoming increasingly competitive, with more players entering the field. This growth can be beneficial for consumers as it often leads to improved quality and lower prices. However, this also means that consumers must be diligent in their research to avoid subpar products that may not meet safety standards.
✅ Key Point
Novel Foods = regulatory framework for food marketing, not a criminal law.
Cold-pressed CBD oils do not fall under this requirement, and TheCBDExpert.co.uk operates safely, legally, and transparently in the UK market. As the landscape of the CBD industry continues to change, remaining informed about these regulations will empower consumers to make safe and effective choices regarding their health.
Novel Foods = regulatory framework for food marketing, not a criminal law.
Cold-pressed CBD oils do not fall under this requirement, and TheCBDExpert.co.uk operates safely, legally, and transparently in the UK market.
colour: #fee894″>In conclusion, understanding the implications of NOVEL FOODS regulations is crucial for making informed decisions about CBD products. By choosing reputable brands like TheCBDExpert.co.uk, consumers can enjoy the benefits of cold-pressed CBD oils without the worry of legal repercussions. It’s always advisable to stay updated on the latest developments in the industry to ensure that you are making the best choices for your health and wellbeing.
The CBD Expert 3000mg Cold Pressed CBD Oil – 30ml – CBD Expert Ltd