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
Katharine Mason
Principal Associate
Helen Gill
Principal Associate
Sophie Meehan-Green
Senior Associate
Nirmal Trivedy
Associate
Related expertise
You may be interested in
31 March 2026
Legal Update - ASA monthly insights
ASA monthly insights March 2026: Rulings you need to know about
31 March 2026
Legal Update - Food and drink regulatory update
Food for Thought: Food and drink regulatory update: Spring 2026
31 March 2026
Legal Update
The UK-EU SPS Agreement: It is not just about animals and plants
31 March 2026
Legal Update
From local to national: How the FSA plans to reshape food regulation for large retailers
31 March 2026
Legal Update
A taste of the CMA’s green claims supply chain guidance
31 March 2026
Guide
Waste operations and audits: Guidance on Simpler Recycling and digital waste tracking
31 March 2026
Legal Update
Growing forward by looking back: How utilising historic grains could improve soil health and aid climate targets
31 March 2026
Legal Update
Beyond consumer confusion: Statutory bars on dairy terminology
24 March 2026
Press Release
Huel bought by Danone: Comment from M&A lawyer
12 February 2026
Press Release
Supreme Court decision on Oatly using 'milk': Legal comment
04 February 2026
Legal Update
The Modern Slavery Act 2015
28 January 2026
Legal Update
Protein powder and bars: Regulating the claims
27 January 2026
Legal Update
The “Brain Food” boom: What businesses need to know in 2026
15 January 2026
Legal Update
M&A trends in the beverage industry: A tough shot to take?
06 January 2026
Legal Update
Weight loss injections: Key lessons for food advertisers
06 January 2026
Legal Update
The gut health revolution: Navigating the regulatory landscape for fibre and functional foods
06 January 2026
Legal Update
Investing in wellness: Deal activity in the UK's health-conscious market
06 January 2026
Legal Update
Food and drink M&A trends: High-protein products
06 January 2026
Legal Update
Rise and shine: The European breakfast directive’s new year transformation
06 January 2026
Legal Update
New year, new me: Food and drink legal insights in 2026
28 November 2025
Legal Update - ASA monthly insights
ASA monthly insights November 2025: Rulings you need to know about
19 November 2025
Legal Update
Autumn Budget 2025 sector predictions: Retail
14 October 2025
Legal Update
Less healthy food advertising restrictions: What businesses need to know
14 October 2025
Legal Update
An update on nutrition and health claims (NHCRs)
14 October 2025
Legal Update
FSA Market Authorisation Innovation and Research Programme: Streamlining food safety approvals
14 October 2025
Legal Update
Brexit reset: UK-EU SPS agreement breakthrough - September 2025 update
14 October 2025
Legal Update
High caffeine energy drinks ban: Government consultation on child protection measures
14 October 2025
Legal Update
CBD and novel foods regulation: A watershed moment
14 October 2025
Legal Update - Food and drink regulatory update
Food for Thought: Food and drink regulatory update: Autumn 2025
14 October 2025
Legal Update
European Food Law Association (EFLA) Congress: Regulatory insights for the food and drink sector
30 September 2025
Legal Update
The UK DMO's challenge to deliver a unified Deposit Return Scheme
30 September 2025
Legal Update - ASA monthly insights
ASA monthly insights September 2025: AI celebs and Michelin chefs
09 September 2025
Legal Update
The UK’s new ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy: A recipe for growth?
02 September 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises LDC on investment in plant-based food specialist Bespoke Kitchen Foods
29 August 2025
Legal Update - ASA monthly insights
ASA monthly insights August 2025: Four (or so) rulings you need to know about
27 August 2025
Legal Update
English Devolution Bill: Is it the end of upwards-only rent reviews?
15 August 2025
Legal Update
Ireland proposes to ban energy drink sales to children
23 July 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson secures international backing for British gin company Warner’s Distillery
22 July 2025
Legal Update
CMA draft guidance for pricing transparency: What businesses should consider
22 July 2025
Legal Update