The first provisions on novel foods entered into force in the EU in 1997, in the form of the currently repealed Regulation (EC) No 258/97, and the general criteria for the definition of novel foods remain unchanged, even with the new diploma adopted in 2015, Regulation (EU) No 2015/2283, applicable since January 2018.
"New foods" may be newly developed innovative foods or foods produced using new technologies and production processes (such as high-pressure pasteurized fruit preparations), as well as foods traditionally consumed outside the EU (exotic products from third countries, such as chia seeds, dry pulp of cherries from Coffea arabica L.), newly produced nutrients (synthetic zeaxanthin), existing food extracts ( rape protein), or even insects (frozen, dehydrated and powdered forms of Migratory locust – migratory locust, and dehydrated larvae of Tenebrio molitor).
Only authorised novel foods and traditional foods from successful third countries that are included in the EU list may be placed on the market. Therefore, a food operator wishing to market a new food or traditional food from a third country for the first time in the EU should submit a request directly to the European Commission using the Commission platform: e-submission. Applications will have to be drawn up in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2469 or Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2468 as appropriate.
The European Commission shall process all applications and grant authorisations and, at its request, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) shall deliver its opinion on the safety of food if it is likely to affect human health.
The EU regularly publishes and updates a list of novel foods, including the New Food Catalogue, established by Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, which includes all products of animal and plant origin and other substances subject to the New Food Regulation, based on information provided by EU Member States.
If you have doubts about the classification of food ingredients, if they are classified as Novel food If the European Commission needs notification and approval, please talk to us.
