Chapter 8 - European regulatory framework on novel foods and novel food additives

Abstract

In Europe, commercialization of a novel food (or ingredient) or a food additive, requires food companies to follow a premarket approval scheme set up by the European Commission, a long (35 years) and costly (R&D and administrative) process for the food operator to consider beforehand when seeking a competitive edge. Other chapters in this book have already addressed the most widely known food application of BC, the nata de coco, regarding market data from Asian Countries as well as the potential of BC for further food product development. Further, an economic feasibility study based on a simulated biotechnological process for BC production was presented, demonstrating the challenges in implementing a high technologic process for BC production for food applications. To the authors knowledge, BC and BC-containing products have not undergone an approval procedure under the European legislation. This chapter will overview the European Union (EU) legislative framework control of Novel Foods and Food additives, to better familiarize the reader of the general steps involved in a premarket approval within these regulatory frameworks.