ACNFP Secretariat
Food Standards Agency
Room 515b Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH
Tel: +44 (0)20 7276 8595
Fax: +44 (0)20 7276 8564
acnfp@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is a non-statutory, independent body of scientific experts that advises the Food Standards Agency on any matters relating to novel foods (including genetically modified foods) and novel processes (including food irradiation).
The Committee carries out safety assessments of any novel food or process submitted for approval under the EC novel food regulation. Until April 2004 the scope of this regulation included all foods produced using genetically modified organisms. However, GM foods are now subject to approval under a separate regulation. Approval of GM foods now involves centralised risk assessments, which are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Nevertheless, the Committee still has a role in advising the Food Standards Agency on GM foods - for example by contributing to EFSA's risk assessments or by advising the Agency on other GM issues.
The ACNFP is supported in its work by a secretariat provided by the Food Standards Agency. The secretariat has scientific expertise that enables them to provide Members with comprehensive background information and briefing papers that inform the decision-making processes of the Committee. As well as formal meetings, the Committee organises workshops on specific topics related to its remit.
The reports of the ACNFP's evaluations and the minutes of the Committee's meetings are published on this site. The ACNFP also publishes an annual report which explains the work the Committee has undertaken during the reporting year and provides a full list of the Committee's Members and any interests that they might have.
Views wanted on DHA-rich microalgal oil: Friday 01 August 2008
An American company has applied to the Agency to extend the use of a DHA-rich algal oil to a wider range of food products, including dairy products, bakery products and soft drinks. The oil is a novel food ingredient. More