The Novel Food Regulation: an opportunity and a challenge for food companies
A hamburger made from cultured meat, chocolate based on fungi, or breakfast cereal with crunchy insects. It sounds futuristic, but the food industry is innovating at lightning speed. However, before these new products end up on your plate, they must pass a strict test: the Novel Food Regulation. Food Law Specialist and Assistant Professor at Maastricht University Campus Venlo Karin Lenssen explains why this is both a challenge and an opportunity for companies.
Novel foods are foods that were not widely consumed by humans in the European Union before May 15, 1997. These can be new ingredients from plants or microorganisms, but also products made using new production methods or foods that are traditionally consumed outside Europe. “The Novel Food Regulation ensures that these products are safe,” says Karin. “This means that consumers can be confident that innovation and food safety go hand in hand.”
On the store shelves
According to Karin, novel foods are not really new. Over time, products that were not previously available have increasingly appeared on the European market. Think of bananas, tomatoes, or rice: they were once unknown here, but now they are indispensable. “The difference today is that new products covered by the Novel Food Regulation are subject to an extensive procedure. Before they end up on store shelves, there is usually a process that takes years,” Karin explains.
The first Novel Food Regulation dates back to 1997, and the definition of “novel food” was broad. This led to uncertainty about exactly which products were covered by the rules. In 2015, the new Novel Food Regulation was introduced, which, according to Karin, has now provided more clarity about which products are covered, which procedures must be followed, and what documentation is required. “Companies now have a better understanding of where they stand and can assess risks at an early stage. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and incomplete applications, which speeds up the innovation process.”
Renewal
According to Karin, the regulation creates room for innovation. “If you work with new proteins, plant-based alternatives, or innovative technologies, for example, this regulation opens the door to new markets. Traditional ingredients from outside the European Union can also find a safe route to the European market thanks to this regulation.” On the other hand, the road to approval is intensive. “The documentation requirements are high. You need a solid dossier with scientific evidence and toxicological data, and that takes time and money,” explains Karin. The process can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the product and the completeness of the application. “The approval process can be quite challenging, but the rewards, such as potential market exclusivity or capitalizing on sustainability trends, are significant.”
Legal frameworks
It is therefore important for companies to take the requirements of the Novel Food Regulation into account early on in the development process. According to Karin, it helps to collect data on ingredients, safety, and production in a timely manner and to consult experts. “My advice is: don't wait until the last minute, but think about the legal frameworks from the outset. That will prevent unpleasant surprises.”
Karin is a Food Law Specialist at Brightlands NovaBite, a center of expertise for sensory research, product optimization, in-company panel training, and advice on European and Dutch legislation and regulations. “Among other things, we advise companies on license applications, setting up safety dossiers, and the use of claims on labels. If you have a question about a novel food, please don't hesitate to contact us.”
Source: Brightlands newsletter
Also read
-
Le Blanchiment de Capitaux en Droit Ivoirien (Money Laundering in Ivorian Law)
PhD thesis by Williams Boni
-
MUMC+ honorary medal for professor Guido de Wert
The medal is in recognition of Guido's exceptional contribution to medical ethics and its lasting impact.
-
YUFE publishes new report on university–community collaboration
YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) has released a new report highlighting its efforts to strengthen collaboration between universities and their local communities.
