In February 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched its first major shake-up to novel food regulations since their introduction in 2018.
Here, we explain how the EU novel food application process has changed – and how it impacts your food and drink brand:
What are novel foods?
In 2018, the EU (including the UK) established new regulations governing the introduction and use of ‘novel foods’ in food and drink products.
Novel foods are defined as ingredients not widely consumed in Europe before May 1997.
There are several reasons an ingredient can be classed as a novel food, including:
- It is produced using new technologies not available before 1997 – for example, lab-grown meat
- It is used in other parts of the world but traditionally not widely consumed in Europe (e.g. chia seeds, water chestnuts)
- It is a new use case for an existing food – e.g. an extract or byproduct. For example, coffee beans are not novel foods, but coffea berries (their husk) are considered novel
All novel foods must get authorisation before being sold in the EU, and the company wishing to use a new novel ingredient must submit a formal application.
Once authorisation is granted, other companies can use the same novel food without submitting a new application.
How will the novel food application process change in 2025?
As novel food regulations have been in place for nearly a decade, EFSA has decided to update them.
The organisation has added more detail to its scientific guidelines, now requiring applicants to describe and identify novel foods in greater detail, providing information on:
- Composition
- Expected consumption
- Manufacturing process
- Nutritional value
- Potential allergens
- Proposed uses
- Safety data (including how the body processes the food)
- Specifications
- Toxicology
- Use history
Applicants must also provide details on the data sources used as evidence, such as when studies were published and which populations they cover.
Read the updated novel food scientific guidance.
EFSA has also prepared new administrative guidelines with practical steps to help food and drink companies prepare and submit their application.
Why are novel food applications changing?
EFSA’s review of the existing novel food guidelines identified gaps between current legislation and scientific research and innovation advancements.
The 2025 update addresses these gaps and demands more information to help companies improve the clarity and quality of their novel food applications.
While the official time frame for reviewing submissions is nine months, many applications take longer due to missing or incomplete data.
EFSA hopes requiring companies to submit more robust information will speed up the review process, as there will be fewer back-and-forth communications. However, exact timelines will still depend on the quality and complexity of the data submitted.
The number of novel food applications is growing year on year, as is the diversity of ingredients seeking approval. By improving the process, EFSA is putting itself in a stronger position to meet rising demand while maintaining consumer safety.
Ermolaos Vervis, scientific officer in EFSA’s Nutrition and Food Innovation Unit, recently told Vegconomist: “The updated guidelines should help to streamline the application process by clarifying the requirements and reducing the likelihood of missing information.”
How will changes to EU novel food applications impact food and drink brands?
2025’s update means food and drink companies applying for EU approval will spend more time preparing their novel food application. However, this should reduce the likelihood of delays and help them get products to market quicker.
Faster approvals will support overall food innovation. Once a novel food receives market authorisation, other companies can use it to develop new products.
The update will benefit companies using cutting-edge production techniques. For example, the new guidelines cover food and ingredients derived from cell cultures, which could boost the development of new cell-cultivated meat and fish products.
Related article: How can food brands build consumer confidence in cultivated meat?
Need help with your novel food application?
The latest update to the novel food application process places responsibility on food and drink brands to prepare detailed product information.
If you’re seeking EU market authorisation, Hooley Brown can help you prepare your novel food application to maximise your chances of approval.
Book a free discovery chat to discuss how we can support your business.
