Novel Foods Inclusion in EU Biotech Act Proposed

Renew Europe MEP Stine Bosse has advocated for the inclusion of novel foods within the forthcoming EU Biotech Act. This move aims to streamline testing and regulatory processes, potentially accelerating food innovation across the bloc.

The EU market for novel foods is rapidly expanding, encompassing plant-based alternatives, edible insects, mycoproteins, 3D-printed foods, algae-based foods, and edible packaging. Future novel foods are expected to include cultivated meat, single-cell proteins, and precision-fermentation dairy proteins. Currently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses contaminants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in novel foods under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, a process highlighted by the PUREFOOD project. This project, which began in July 2026, focuses on understanding regulated and emerging contaminants in novel foods in Europe.

Scientific efforts are already underway to support the development and safety of these products. The SEQUR FOOD project, active since January 2025, is building an international scientific network. It aims to develop novel food processing technologies and bioactive packaging, assessing their quality and risks to obtain safe products for the EU market with enhanced shelf-life and nutritional properties. Another initiative, FlavourFerm, aims to optimize, demonstrate, and deploy fermentation technologies to unlock the flavour potential of plant-based foods and respond to consumer demand for tasty, nutritious, and healthy plant-based products.

The ongoing discussions around EU policy, particularly those concerning food and natural resources, indicate a broader regulatory landscape that could benefit from clearer frameworks. A recent Euractiv report titled Bonjour, and thanks for all the fish touched on these themes.

What this means: Incorporating novel foods into the EU Biotech Act could significantly simplify the path from research to market for innovative food products. This regulatory alignment could reduce development costs and timelines, making it easier for new, sustainable food options to reach consumers across Europe.