Novel foods
Introduction
'Novel foods' are foods that have not been widely consumed by people in the European Union before 15 May 1997. Examples of novel foods include:
- new foods, eg phytosterols and phytostanols used in cholesterol reducing spreads
- traditional foods eaten elsewhere in the world, for example, chia seeds, baobab
- foods produced from new processes, for example, bread treated with ultraviolet light to increase the level of vitamin D present
European Commission regulations govern novel foods, ingredients and novel food processes. There are detailed rules for how they are authorised and this includes the applicant producing detailed information about safety.
This guide explains the regulation of novel foods, including food from cloned animals and nanotechnology. It also explains how to submit and what to include in an application for authorisation of a novel food or process.
Under current operating arrangements for Northern Ireland, businesses seeking a new authorisation for novel foods placed on the NI market will continue to follow EU food rules. From Autumn 2023, the Windsor Framework will allow GB public health standards to apply for pre-packed retail goods moved via a new NI retail movement scheme and placed on the NI market. Therefore, goods moving via this route containing GB authorised products will be able to be placed on the NI market.