Functional Fungi & Natural Products
Next meeting - Weds 22th Oct 2025 - 11am
Functional Fungi & Natural Food Committee
Focus: advancing the understanding, regulation, and market development of functional mushrooms, adaptogens, and natural bioactive products that promote health and wellbeing. It aims to bridge science, safety, and sustainability - supporting businesses, researchers, and policymakers to ensure the responsible growth of this emerging sector within the UK and internationally.
Key Topics: Regulatory Alignment and Product Classification, Science, Safety, and Efficacy, Sustainability and Supply Chain Integrity, Consumer Education and Market Growth
Inaugural meeting - Weds 22th Oct 2025 - 11am
Priorities
Mapping the UK Regulatory Landscape
Develop a clear overview of how functional fungi and natural bioactives are classified and regulated across FSA, MHRA, and DEFRA frameworks — identifying barriers to innovation and export.
Creating a Science & Safety Reference Group
Establish a working group to gather and assess existing studies on key species (e.g., Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail), helping members substantiate claims and develop compliant formulations.
Building a Sustainable Supply & Education Network
Connect UK growers, formulators, and educators to share best practices, promote British-grown products, and deliver reliable consumer education about functional fungi and adaptogens.
