The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

The regulations permitted the use of the mineral substance, magnesium L-threonate monohydrate, as a source of magnesium in the manufacture of food supplements in England by amending Schedule 2 of the 2019 EU Exit Regulations.


The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, made on April 20, 2026, and coming into force on August 12, 2026, amend Schedule 2 of the 2019 EU Exit Regulations to incorporate 'magnesium L-threonate monohydrate' into the list of approved mineral substances for manufacturing food supplements.

These regulations were enacted by the Secretary of State under powers related to exiting the European Union, apply to England for substance use, and extend to England and Wales for procedural purposes, following consultation compliant with EU food law principles.

Arguments For

  • Ensures UK food supplement manufacturers have access to a wider range of approved mineral sources, potentially improving product quality or bioavailability.

  • Updates previous EU-derived legislation (post-Brexit) to reflect current scientific understanding or market need regarding magnesium compounds in food supplements.

  • Provides legal clarity for businesses by explicitly listing the newly permitted substance in the relevant schedule by the specified commencement date.

Arguments Against

  • Any change to approved ingredients introduces potential regulatory divergence from EU standards, complicating trade or dual-market compliance for businesses.

  • Concerns might arise regarding the regulatory scrutiny applied to the new substance, 'magnesium L-threonate monohydrate,' and its safety profile compared to existing approved forms.

  • The limited scope (England only, despite extending to Wales for legal procedure) might create confusing jurisdictional differences for national food standards bodies.

2026 No. 412

EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION, ENGLAND FOOD, ENGLAND

The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

| - - - - Made | 20th April 2026 | |------------------------|-------------------| | Laid before Parliament | 21st April 2026 | | - - Coming into force | 12th August 2026 |

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by regulation 2(2) and in accordance with regulation 5(1) of the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019( a ).

There has been open and transparent consultation in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety( b ).

Citation, commencement, extent and application

  1. -(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 12th August 2026.
  • (2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales.
  • (3) These Regulations apply to England only.

Amendment to the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

  1. In Schedule 2 (Vitamin and mineral substances which may be used in the manufacture of food supplements) to the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, in Part B of the table (Minerals), after the entry 'magnesium citrate malate'( c ) insert 'magnesium L-threonate monohydrate'.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

20th April 2026

Sharon Hodgson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department of Health and Social Care

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations permit the use of the mineral substance, magnesium L-threonate monohydrate, as a source of magnesium in the manufacture of food supplements. They achieve this by amending Schedule 2 to the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/651) to include a new entry for this mineral substance (regulation 2).

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.

An Explanatory Memorandum has been published alongside this instrument at wwwGLYPH<c=0,font=/GFEDCB+TimesNewRomanPSMT> .legislation.gov.uk.

Related

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Middlesborough) Regulations 2026

Fri 4th Sept 26

Restricted the flight of unmanned aircraft in two areas of Middlesbrough on 4 September 2026 for public safety and security.

Read More

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026

Fri 4th Sept 26

Activated multiple provisions of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 concerning anti-social behaviour, SIM farms, police conduct lists, and extradition procedures.

Read More

The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Fri 4th Sept 26

Extended the time limit for bringing employment tribunal claims from three months to six months, effective from 1 October 2026.

Read More

Correction to Merchant Shipping Port State Control Fees

Thu 3rd Sept 26

Corrected a drafting error in the fee-related schedule of the 2026 maritime regulations.

Read More