According to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, novel foods are foods that were not consumed to a significant extent in the EU before May 15, 1997 and that belong to a certain food category. These categories include, for example: foods that consist of microorganisms, algae or fungi; Food made from engineered nanomaterial or food with a new molecular structure.
Only novel foods that are approved and included in the Union list of the EU may be placed on the market.
Yellow mealworms are the first insects to be approved as a novel food in the EU. The mealworms may now be marketed by the applicant in ground form or as a whole. In addition, up to 10% can be used in a food such as pasta. The authorization for the applicant is currently valid for five years. After these five years, competitors are allowed to sell yellow mealworms without the applicant's permission. In addition, whole insects, if they were already legally on the market as food in the EU before 01.01.2018, may continue to be marketed as food if an application for approval as a novel food was submitted for them before 01.01.2019
In principle, approved novel foods must be labeled in accordance with the applicable regulations. However, the Union list may contain additional specific labeling regulations that must be observed.
The international labeling team at bilacon supports you with the correct labeling of your novel food and is at your side with advice on regulatory matters. You can also have your products tested by us so that nothing stands in the way of safe marketing!
Stefanie Hirsch
+49 30 206 038 170
labeling@tentamus.com
