Food for Thought: Food and drink regulatory update: Spring 2026
31 March 2026
We are pleased to share the Spring edition of our quarterly food and drink regulatory update.
The most significant development on the horizon is the UK-EU SPS Agreement, which many businesses have assumed to be a deal primarily about border checks on meat and dairy, animal health certificates and plant passports, but in fact represents one of the most extensive pieces of regulatory realignment since Brexit.
As well as changes to the UK's relationship with EU food law, this edition also includes:
- How the FSA is preparing for the foods of 2035.
- From local to national: How the FSA plans to reshape food regulation for large retailers.
- The CMA’s green claims supply chain guidance.
- Waste operations and audits: Guidance on Simpler Recycling and digital waste tracking.
- How historic grains could improve soil health and aid climate targets.
- Beyond consumer confusion: Statutory bars on dairy terminology.
We welcome feedback on the content of this update, including any topics you would like us to cover in future editions.
All the best,
The food and drink sector team
In this edition of Food for Thought...
- The regulator’s crystal ball: How the FSA is preparing for the foods of 2035
- The UK-EU SPS agreement: It is not just about animals and plants
- From local to national: How the FSA plans to reshape food regulation for large retailers
- A taste of the CMA’s green claims supply chain guidance
- Waste operations and audits: Guidance on Simpler Recycling and digital waste tracking
- Growing forward by looking back: How utilising historic grains could aid climate targets
- Beyond consumer confusion: Statutory bars on dairy terminology
Contributors
Rachel Lyne
Partner
Katharine Mason
Principal Associate
Helen Gill
Principal Associate
Sophie Meehan-Green
Senior Associate
Nirmal Trivedy
Associate
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