Published on 31 October 2024
EU4Algae serves as an information hub for the algae sector, delivering the latest news, events, and updates to stakeholders interested in advancing algae-based solutions.
The EU Novel Food Status Catalogue, established by the European Commission, is a helpful tool to navigate the regulatory landscape around foods that may be considered “novel”. Based on information from EU Member States, it provides guidance on foods and food ingredients requiring special authorisation for market entry in the EU. Although not exhaustive, the list in the catalogue is based on the experiences at the national level. However, it serves as guidance to determine whether a product requires authorisation under the Novel Food Regulation (NFR) and helps identify foods that are not novel when used in food supplements.
Updated EU Novel Food Status Catalogue: What’s New?
The EU’s revised Novel Food Status Catalogue, released on 16 November 2023, is a tool for businesses and stakeholders to navigate the regulations surrounding novel foods in the European market. This update enhances the catalogue’s functionality, allowing users to filter foods easily and check their regulatory status more conveniently.
What is the Novel Food Status Catalogue?
The Novel Food Status Catalogue lists various foods that may require special authorisation to be marketed in the EU. This includes algal species, foods of plant and animal origin, and other substances, particularly if they haven’t been widely consumed in the EU before 15 May 1997. The catalogue, which is non-binding, provides guidance based on information from EU Member States and should be used alongside the Union’s list of authorised novel foods.
Thanks to collaborative efforts of the European Commission and EU Member States’ competent authorities, early this year, more than 20 algae species have been added to the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue and can now be sold on the market as food or food supplements.
Key Features of the New Catalogue:
- Improved Filtering: Users can now browse the full list of foods or filter by typing the food name or selecting a starting letter, allowing for quick identification of foods of interest.
- Detailed Information: Clicking on a food name reveals its status and any specific regulatory details. Explanations for different food status categories can be accessed via a "What does it mean?" link.
How to Use the Catalogue?
The catalogue serves as an orientation guide, helping businesses identify whether a product needs novel food authorisation. Although it provides essential information, it’s important to remember that the list is non-exhaustive; businesses should consult their national authorities, as individual EU countries may impose further restrictions on marketing specific products. In cases where a food or ingredient was historically used only in food supplements, applying it to other foods requires approval under the Novel Food Regulation. The catalogue may include data on the history of food supplements in various EU countries to support this.
The Process Behind Catalogue Updates
The European Commission updates the catalogue based on new information provided by EU countries. Businesses contribute by submitting details on food history and consumption, which are verified by their national authorities, particularly for any food consumed before May 1997.
In short, the Novel Food Status Catalogue is a valuable, regularly updated resource, helping businesses understand and comply with novel food requirements while navigating potential national regulations.
Additional information
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Got questions? Contact us at: contacteu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu).
Have you heard about the EU4Algae Interactive Platform?
Designed to promote algae product awareness and increase consumer knowledge, the EU4Algae Interactive Platform offers a range of activities. Take the EU4Algae Quiz to test your algae knowledge, participate in our Survey to share your algae-eating habits (the first 200 respondents get a free eBook!) and play the interactive Game to discover which type of algae you are.