Industry called to action: MP needs YOU to help change legislation
This opportunity for change comes after NutraIngredients reported on the Government's Task Force on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform's (TIGRR) report which sets out a new vision for the UK given its newfound legislative freedom post-Brexit.
One of the authors of the report, MP George Freeman, who is also former Minister for Life Science and Chair of the Prime Minister’s Policy Board, tells NutraIngredients the publication of the report is the start of what he hopes to be a timely process of change, involving input from both the industry and consumers.
"The Prime Minister has made it clear he sees this as the beginning of the process, with the next stage of the process being the hosting of online round table events with the ten most exciting, high growth sectors highlighted in the report," he tells NI.
"I think the nutraceuticals sector is one of the most exciting sectors which benefits patients, consumers, startups and global companies.
"I want to make this sector the first round table that we host because I know it captures people's imagination and I know people in Government will be surprised by how advanced the sector is. I also can't see there being much friction as it's hard to be against health advancing innovations."
Freeman says he hopes this first round table could happen as soon as next week (w/c June 28th).
"Round tables will bring those in the industry up close with the ministers in charge of making legislative changes so this is a powerful way to bring the voice of the people to the heart of the government.
"What's more these could be the beginning of the formation of a partnership between the industry and government which will see both sides working to promote regulatory reform, investment and innovation."
But it's not only those involved in the round table who will have input. Interested parties are invited to send their feedback on the task force's report to: TIGRR@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Probiotics in focus
The report published last week includes a section on probiotics and points out that this is a particularly challenging area to innovate within due to the extremely restrictive European legislation. However, the report does not provide any specific suggestions on how to change this.
Freeman explains the creation of the report involved the organisation of 50 stakeholder round table events within three months, leading to huge amounts of information but not a lot of time to report it thoroughly.
It's for that reason that he says he expects the task force will next write further reports which will take a more detailed look at specific areas, such as probiotics.
