This month’s headlines capture a turning point in food governance on both sides of the Channel. In Brussels, the European Commission’s new “Omnibus on Food” consultation signals a pivot towards deregulation and simplification, raising questions about the future of the EU’s once-ambitious Farm to Fork agenda.
Alongside, the Commission’s response to Ombudsman complaints over its corporate sustainability simplification package has reignited debate on transparency, impact assessments, and the balance between economic urgency and long-term environmental commitments.
EU–UK relations enter a critical new phase as preparations begin for SPS negotiations that could reshape UK agrifood standards well into the next decade. Civil society is also pushing back as Foodwatch International and Access Info take the Commission to court over hidden documents on Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling, challenging what many see as a quiet retreat from transparency and reform.
Finally, in this month’s Food for Thought section, Director Andrea Gutierrez Solana reflects on Keir Starmer’s first extensive ministerial reshuffle, which brought new faces into Defra at a delicate moment for food and farming policy as well as new changes to HFSS restrictions.
From deregulatory shifts to transparency battles and high-stakes negotiations, this edition highlights the contested terrain of food policy today: caught between simplification and ambition, competitiveness and sustainability, short-term pragmatism and long-term transformation.
Read these updates and more in the latest Monthly Munch.
The Whitehouse Food & Nutrition Team
Policy and regulatory developments
Food Policy Reset? EU Opens Consultation on Omnibus on Food
On 16th September, the European Commission launched a consultation on a Simplification Omnibus package on food and feed safety, a potential deregulatory initiative aimed at easing compliance burdens across the agri-food sector. The move follows Commission President von der Leyen’s reference to the “Omnibus Package on Food” in her 2025 State of the Union Letter of Intent. The proposal targets simplification in areas such as plant protection, biocidal products, feed additives, food hygiene, and official controls. Key measures include streamlining the Biocidal Products Regulation to accelerate substance reviews and introducing digital labelling for non-safety feed additive information. The Commission also seeks to clarify the classification of fermentation products involving genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), distinguishing between those “produced from” and “produced with” GMMs. While framed as a support measure for farmers and producers, the initiative signals a broader pivot away from transformative food policy reform. Critics argue that the shift towards simplification reflects a further weakening of the EU’s Farm to Fork ambitions outlined under the EU Green Deal; raising concerns about regulatory transparency and long-term sustainability goals. While the consultation invites stakeholders to weigh in, the direction of travel suggests a recalibration of priorities in favour of competitiveness over systemic change, in line with the Commission’s wider deregulatory agenda, including the Omnibus I Package published earlier this year.
European Commission responds to Ombudsman for sustainability simplification package
This month, the European Commission issued a written response to Ombudsman complaints filed by eight NGOs concerning the flawed process and breaches of EU Better Regulation guidelines that led to the Omnibus simplification proposal. As a reminder, the Omnibus Package—introduced in February 2025—aims to simplify EU rules and reduce administrative burdens for companies by amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The NGOs’ complaint highlighted several concerns: a lack of public consultation and transparency, the absence of impact and climate assessments, and the disproportionate influence of corporate interests. In its response, the Commission justified the absence of an impact assessment and public consultation by citing the urgency to act in light of a deteriorating economic climate since the adoption of the two directives. It also emphasized that multiple prior consultation activities had taken place during the development of the proposal. Meanwhile, nine organisations—representing 8,000 member companies and affiliates—urged EU negotiators not to compromise on the standards set in the CSRD and CSDDD, arguing that legal certainty and policy stability are essential for effective business planning. In parallel, the European Commission announced yet another delay of the EU Deforestation Regulation policy by another year.
EU and UK prepare negotiations for the upcoming EU-UK trade agreement for agrifood
Over the summer and into September, European institutions and the UK government actively prepared for upcoming negotiations on the EU-UK Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. The goal of this agreement is to reduce trade barriers by aligning UK standards with those of the EU. As part of a shared understanding, the UK government has committed to aligning its regulations on food labelling, key marketing and compositional standards, organics, and pesticide use with EU rules. While some limited exceptions to alignment will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, certain sectors are already advocating for divergence in specific regulatory areas—particularly where alignment could lower animal welfare standards, compromise public health, or hinder technological innovation. UK Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed that negotiations will begin this autumn, with the agreement expected to be implemented in 2027.
Food NGOs Take EU to Court Over Labelling Transparency
Foodwatch International and Access Info are suing the European Commission for refusing to release documents on its now-shelved mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme. The labelling initiative was a key part of the EU’s 2020 Farm to Fork Strategy but was quietly dropped earlier in 2025. Foodwatch International first requested access to the documents in 2023, but the Commission denied disclosure. After the European Ombudsman ruled that the Commission lacked sufficient grounds to withhold the information, Foodwatch International, together with Access Info, escalated the case to the European General Court. They argue the public deserves clarity on why the plans were buried and are pushing for full transparency. The shelving of the nutrition label plan is the latest signal that the European Commission is retreating from its flagship Farm to Fork commitments. What was once billed as a transformative food policy agenda is being quietly dismantled, with key reforms delayed, diluted, or abandoned. For critics, the lack of transparency around the labelling scheme reflects a broader pattern: the EU is backing away from ambitious food and sustainability measures, raising questions about the future credibility of its food policy strategy.
The Labour Government’s September 2025 reshuffle—triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation – has resulted in a major shake-up at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Emma Reynolds is replacing Steve Reed as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Dame Angela Eagle has been appointed Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, replacing Daniel Zeichner.
Both appointees bring political and financial expertise but limited direct experience in farming or food, creating a steep learning curve and some nervousness among industry stakeholders. The removal of Zeichner has been particularly controversial as he had strong relationships in the farming and food sectors. His departure raises concerns that ongoing initiatives—especially those working towards sustainable farming, food security, and land management—could be delayed or reshaped.
One immediate challenge will be delivering the recently launched Good Food Cycle strategy. The framework lacks detail, meaning the new ministers will decide which ambitions become law, which remain guidance, and how trade-offs between productivity and climate goals are managed.
The risk is that momentum slows as ministers establish themselves, particularly given the complex cross-departmental coordination required with Health, Treasury and Business. However, Reynolds’ Treasury background could help secure resources and elevate food policy within government.
Ultimately, the reshuffle’s impact depends on how quickly the new team acts and how well they understand the complexities in the food system. The next 12 months will be decisive in shaping whether the UK’s food system gains real direction or faces another cycle of uncertainty. For food businesses, this is a chance to push for greater clarity, more consistent support, and faster progress.
Shaping the future of sustainable food systems
This month’s top industry initiatives selected by the Whitehouse team:
- Charlie Bigham’s pioneers industry-first initiative to hit target of zero edible food waste by end of 2025: Charlie Bigham’s, the UK’s leading premium ready meals brand, has launched a unique scheme to eliminate edible food waste by rescuing and redistributing surplus sauces and ingredients from its kitchens. Working with charity partners such as FareShare South West, the initiative provided over 240,000 meals to those in need in 2024. The B-Corp brand has also set ambitious environmental targets, aiming to become net zero by 2040 and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% within five years. Charlie Bigham’s is on track to meet its zero edible food waste goal by the end of 2025.
- Unilever and PepsiCo among companies in new regenerative agriculture initiative: Unilever, PepsiCo and other corporates have launched STEP up for Agriculture, a collaborative programme to scale regenerative farming across North America and Europe. The initiative supports farmer-facing organisations with tools, training and funding to boost sustainable practices and build resilient supply chains. A European pilot is already underway in Spain, marking a global push. STEP up will also help farmers develop strategic plans, expand staffing, and track progress. It contributes to PepsiCo’s goal to transition 10 million acres and Unilever’s target of one million hectares to regenerative agriculture by 2030, driving long-term sustainability in global food systems.
Engagement opportunities
Open consultations
Engage with these consultations to shape the issues affecting your organisation:
- European Commission consultation on its Food and Feed Safety – Simplification Omnibus. Open until 14th October.
- EFSA consultation on the safety of cannabidiol as a novel food. Open until 14thOctober.
- European Commission call for evidence on a new Digital Fairness Act which will potentially look at addressing harmful practices by influencers. Open until 24th October.
- UK FSA consultation on local authority and district council guidance on Grey Market goods in the United Kingdom. Open until 24th October.
- European Commission consultation and call for evidence for the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. Open until 6th November.
- UK FSA consultation on its draft recommendation to authorise the first cannabidiol (CBD) food products as novel foods. Open until 20th November.
Events calendar
- 30th September: Euractiv Sustainability reporting and assurance and the omnibus package – Burden or opportunity for EU competitiveness? (Brussels/Online)
- 1st October: Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) Future of the UK Food System (London)
- 2nd October: MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Unlocking investment in the agricultural transition – aligning economic and environmental performance for farmers (Brussels)
- 2nd–3rd October: FAO Global forum for animal feed and feed regulators (Rome)
- 15th–16th October: EIT Food Next Bite 2025 (Brussels)
- 20th-21st October: Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU Plant Food Summit (Copenhagen)
- 23rd October: Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum Next steps for the Government’s food strategy and priorities for the UK food system (Online)
- 2nd-3rd December: POLITICO Sustainable Future Week (Brussels)
- 2nd–4th December: Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU Boosting and mainstreaming the bioeconomy, and Transformative governance for food systems and biodiversity (Copenhagen)
- 20th–21st January: Nutrition Society Winter Conference 2026: Pushing the Boundaries of Nutritional Science (London)
Get in touch:
Andrea Gutierrez-Solana, Director, Food, Public Health and Sustainability
andrea.solana@whitehousecomms.com