Earlier this year, we were contacted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) about the classification of Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor) as a “Novel Food”. Unfortunately, Cordyceps militaris also falls under this classification.
Under this classification, a “Novel Food” is a food that hasn’t officially been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU before 15 May 1997.
However, this definition simply doesn’t reflect the long, rich history of traditional medicines that have been used safely for centuries using these mushrooms or the thousands of first hand experiences from our customers over the last 6 years.
Turkey Tail - one of the UK’s most abundant and the most historically celebrated mushroom has been cherished for centuries across cultures for its powerful healing properties.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Turkey Tail has been used for over 2,000 years and ancient practitioners relied on it to strengthen what they called the body’s “Qi,” believing it helped maintain balance and resilience.
In Indigenous North American traditions, Turkey Tail was also a trusted ally, brewed as a tea or used as a tonic to support overall wellbeing.
In the modern era, it has become one of the most extensively researched functional mushrooms. Scientists have studied its unique compounds - particularly beta-glucans and the protein-bound polysaccharides (PSK and PSP) - for their immune-modulating effects.
In countries like Japan, extracts of Turkey Tail have even been used alongside clinical treatments for decades.
Cordyceps militaris also has a long history as a powerful natural medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps has been valued for centuries as a tonic to support energy, vitality, and lung and kidney health. It was prized as a natural adaptogen, helping the body resist stress, fatigue, and illness, and was often reserved for those seeking to maintain peak physical performance.
Though historically more commonly used in Asia, Cordyceps is also native to the UK - its bright orange fruiting bodies make it distinctive for foragers and herbalists who know its value.
While we fully respect regulations (and share the belief that this industry must be held to high standards of safety, clarity, and integrity) this decision doesn’t feel rooted in science, ecology or medicinal knowledge.
Once a food or ingredient is classified as a “novel food” by the FSA, it is treated as something new and untested in the UK, even if it has been safely used for centuries elsewhere. This classification triggers strict regulations, requiring extensive safety assessments, documentation, and approval before it can legally be sold.
The process to reclassify or challenge a novel food decision is long, complex, and expensive.
For a small business like ours, we simply don’t have the time or the funds to execute something like this alone.
Which is why we’re calling on our community for help and stand with us.
By donating you can help us:
● Gather historical and scientific evidence to demonstrate traditional use
● Conduct laboratory analysis and safety testing
● Submit detailed applications and navigating regulatory framework
● Engage legal or specialist consultants to advocate for these mushrooms
To show our commitment, we’re starting this campaign with an initial £5,000 donation.
Realistically, we’re going to need around £50,000 to take this challenge seriously, seek legal support and create enough public awareness to push back against this classification.
We realise asking for a monetary contribution at Christmas time in this economy is a flippant request and we’re so grateful for your support.
This is a movement towards a beneficial change for everyone who wants to ensure and protect access to these incredible fungi.
Your Right to Natural Wellness is Under Threat!
If you can’t contribute financially, please spread the word, share and share alike so this cause can reach as many people as possible.
So mush love,
Bristol Fungarium