A Global Overview of Future-Ready Nutrition
As global populations grow and sustainability becomes essential, the need for innovative food sources has led to the rise of novel foods. However, what exactly are they, and how are they regulated across different parts of the world?
🔎 Definition of Novel Food
Novel foods are foods or food ingredients that have not been significantly consumed by humans before a specific reference date. They often include:
- Foods from new sources (e.g. insects, algae, fungi)
- Ingredients produced using innovative processes (like nanotechnology or cell-based methods)
- Traditional foods from outside the Western world that are new to local markets
Moreover this Novel foods require safety evaluations before they reach consumers.
🇪🇺 Regulation in the European Union
The EU first introduced legislation on novel foods in 1997, but the current regulation is (EU) 2015/2283, which took effect on January 1, 2018.
It defines novel foods and sets up a centralized approval system, managed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Only approved foods can enter the market, with mandatory labeling for consumer awareness.
🇺🇸 Novel Foods in the United States
The U.S. doesn’t use the term “novel food” official,. Instead, it relies on the FDA’s GRAS system (Generally Recognized As Safe). New ingredients are approved based on safety evidence or scientific consensus.
For more unique foods (like lab-grown meat), the FDA may coordinate with the USDA or require pre-market authorization.
🇨🇦 Regulation in Canada
Canada officially uses the term “novel foods” and regulates them under the Food and Drugs Act. Any food that is genetically modified, derived from microorganisms, or produced with new processes is subject to review by Health Canada.
🇦🇺 Australia and New Zealand
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulates new foods under the Food Standards Code. Although the term “novel food” is used, FSANZ focuses on safety, history of use, and the food’s intended function.
Approval is required before sale, often including a public consultation phase.
🌐 Final Thoughts
Though definitions vary slightly, safety, transparency, and innovation are shared goals worldwide. Whether it’s edible insects or lab-grown meat, novel foods are shaping the future of global nutrition — with strict rules to ensure they’re safe for our plates.
