Novel Foods

Novel foods are ingredients or products that weren't commonly consumed in a region before a specific date, often prior to 1997 in the European Union. They include new or innovative foods, as well as those derived from emerging technologies, such as lab-grown or genetically modified foods. Regulatory authorities evaluate and approve these foods to ensure they are safe for consumers. This process helps prevent health risks while allowing access to new, sustainable, or beneficial food options. Essentially, novel foods expand the range of what people can eat, often involving advancements in food science and technology.