The European Commission authorised three further novel foods as traditional food from a third country in 2024:
- Protein concentrate from Lemna gibba and Lemna minor,
- Bambara (Vigna subterranea) seeds and –flour, as well as
- Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) stem juice
The authorisations are based on scientific opinions and a technical report of the European Food Safety Authority respectively (EFSA Journal 2023;21(4):7903 EFSA Supporting publication 2024:EN-8571; EFSA Journal. 2024;22:e8645.).
Regarding two of the three authorisations only the applicant is authorised to place the novel food on the market within the European Union for a period of 5 years (protein concentrate from Lemna gibba/Lemna minor: until 30/04/2029; Ashitaba stem juice: until 20/08/2029), unless a subsequent applicant obtains an authorisation for that novel food without reference to the scientific data protected or with the agreement of the applicant.
Labelling requirements
Where foods containing the protein concentrate from Lemna gibba/Lemna minor include an amount of vitamin K that is considered significant in accordance with point 2 of Part A of Annex XIII to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the nutrition declaration shall indicate the amount of vitamin K due to a possible risk for patients on anticoagulant medication.
The labelling of foodstuffs containing seeds resp. the seed flour of Vigna subterranea shall bear a statement that allergic reactions may be caused to consumers with known allergies to peanuts and soybeans.
The labelling of food supplements containing Ashitaba stem juice shall bear a statement that they should be consumed by adults only, excluding pregnant and lactating women.
Further details, such as the specified food categories, maximum levels and specifications are defined in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1048 (protein concentrate from Lemna gibba/Lemna minor), in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2047 (seeds and seed flour of Vigna subterranea) and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2061 (Ashitaba stem juice) respectively.
