EU Novel Food Status Catalogue
In March 2024, IPA Europe and the European Food and Fermentation Cultures Association (EFFCA) issued the information to their members regarding the European Commission’s revised Novel Food Catalogue, which was originally published on November 16, 2023. We have actively collaborated with DG SANTE to enhance the classification process and to provide clearer guidance for stakeholder consultation. The Novel Food Catalogue, is now available for consultation and includes the requested updates.
What is the Novel Food Catalogue?
The Novel Food Catalogue, established by the European Commission, serves to clarify the status of foods and food ingredients based on information provided by EU Member States. It includes decisions from national authorities regarding the novel food status of various food ingredients. The list in the catalogue is based on the experiences at national level and is not exhaustive. However, it is intended as guidance to determine whether a product requires authorization under the Novel Food Regulation (NFR) and helps identifies foods that are not novel when used in food supplements.
Since 2018, IPA Europe and EFFCA have actively engaged with the Novel Foods Working Group of the European Commission’s DG Sante. Through these discussions, it was agreed that novelty is determined at the species level. Furthermore, IPA Europe and EFFCA’s position on the classification of food cultures as Novel Foods within the EU is also detailed in the provided materials.
Improved Clarity and Accuracy
In our dialogue with the European Commission’s DG Sante we obtained the inclusion of certain food cultures that ware absent from the Novel Food Catalogue. Also, we have actively collaborated with DG Sante to seek clarification and advocate for an improved classification process.
Conclusion
IPA Europe remain committed to fostering transparency and clarity regarding the Novel Food status of food cultures within the European Union. We continue the dialogue with DG Sante to ensuring an accurate and inclusive Novel Food Catalogue that supports both industry innovation and regulatory compliance.
The Communication of IPAEU-EFFCA and the joint position of 2018 are available for dowload below.