A Note From Us: Why We’ve Had to Pause Turkey Tail in the UK (and Why It Makes No Sense)

The Law That’s Stopping Progress

The Novel Food Regulation defines any ingredient as “novel” if it wasn’t consumed in significant quantities in the UK or EU before 15 May 1997.

It’s designed to protect consumers - and in principle, we support that. But here’s the irony: Turkey Tail has one of the strongest safety and clinical evidence profiles of any functional mushroom in the world.

• It’s not new.
• It’s not dangerous.
• It’s one of the most well-studied natural ingredients ever documented.

In fact, in Japan, over 25% of national cancer care expenditure goes toward compounds derived from Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), particularly PSK and PSP, which have been studied for decades for their ability to support immune modulation and improve tolerance to chemotherapy.

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies - from major universities and oncology institutes - supporting its safety and clinical relevance.

Yet here we are, being told that this mushroom is “too novel” to be legally sold for human consumption in the UK.

So, What Does This Mean?

This is not a safety issue.

Our products have passed third-party testing, batch verification, and purity analysis at levels far beyond industry standard.

This is purely a regulatory classification issue - one that now affects Turkey Tail, Tiger Milk, Mesima, and several others, regardless of whether they’re in powder, extract, capsule, or even dried form in the UK.

The law doesn’t differentiate between what’s scientifically proven and what’s simply been bureaucratically logged before 1997.

That’s the part that doesn’t make sense - and it’s why we, like many others in our field, are both saddened and disappointed.

Our Stance

We could look the other way, pretend nothing’s changed, and keep selling like others still do. But that’s not who we are.

We built Antioxi on trust - the kind that isn’t negotiable.

So even though it breaks our hearts (and honestly, infuriates us) to pause these mushrooms, we’re complying fully while pushing for clarity and future reclassification.

Our team is working with regulatory advisors and mycological researchers to evaluate the best path forward - whether that’s submitting Novel Food dossiers or collaborating on safety substantiation with EU and UK partners.

What You Can Still Expect From Us

Until then, we’ll continue to:

• Offer approved, third-party tested mushrooms, teas, and superfoods that remain compliant under UK law.
  
• Keep you updated transparently as the situation evolves.
  
• Advocate - with evidence and community support - for the safe and sensible reintroduction of these remarkable mushrooms to the UK market.
  

Because Turkey Tail isn’t a “novel” ingredient. It’s a lifeline for many.