Latest European Union food law news

EFSA announces call for expressions of interest in advising SMEs on novel foods

Calcidiol Monohydrate Approved as Source of Vitamin D in the EU

Commission denies health claim related to body weight reduction

Commission amends regulations on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

Commission authorizes Lemna minor and Lemna gibba plants as novel food

Commission removes the flavouring substance 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal (No FL 05.100) from the Union list

Commission amends conditions of use and specifications of the novel food isomalto-oligosaccharide

Regulation on packaging and packaging waste published

Commission authorizes ultraviolet-treated powder of whole mealworm larvae as a novel food

EU Ombudsman Affirms Commission's Interpretation of "Probiotic" as a Health Claim

Commission approves modification of a traditional term in the wine sector

Publicly consulting on our draft assessment of the potential risks from ingestion of fluoride from food and drinking water

Commission bans use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials

Commission establishes the European Agriculture and Food Council

The Council formally adopted a regulation on packaging and packaging waste

Commission designates public health reference laboratories for food- and waterborne bacteria

Commission proposal to comprehensively ban bisphenol A (BPA) makes progress

Court of Auditors points out loopholes in food labeling rules

EFSA concludes that saccharin is safe for human consumption

EU Court overturns ban on use of natural botanical extracts in food

CJEU overturns EU-wide ban on the presence of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HAD) in botanical preparations

Commission removes the flavouring substance benzen-1,2-diol from the Union list

Commission authorizes the use of iron caseinate as a source of iron specifically in foods for special medical purposes

Commission implements changes in olive oil analysis methods

Commission authorizes magnesium L-threonate as a novel food

Modified specifications of the new food based on vitamin D2 in mushroom powder

Report on the implementation of Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods published

Commission updates requirement for protein and protein hydrolysates in infant formulas

Commission authorises food additives in spreadable fresh soft cheese products

CJEU rules Member State “veggie burger bans” not allowed

CJEU Ruling on EU Organic Logo for Imported Food

Commission updates specifications on food additives

EFSA's updated guidance on novel food applications

Commission excludes behenic acid emulsifiers from mustard seeds as potentially allergenic substance

2023 Annual Report on Food Safety Alerts and Agri-Food Fraud Investigations

EFSA launches call for risk assessment of novel foods and nutrient sources in the EU

Commission establishes analytical methods for official controls by food business operators

Commission corrects error on Chia seed powders in French version of regulation on novel foods list

Commission refusing  health claim related to isomaltulose and energy metabolism

Amendment to specifications for the novel food food 2'-Fucosyllactose derivative strain of Escherichia coli BL-21

Commission authorizes Schizochytrium sp. (CABIO-A-2) oil as a novel food

Commission authorizes Schizochytrium limacinum (TKD-1) oil as a novel food

Amendment to specifications for the novel food protein extract from pig kidneys

Amendment to specifications for the novel food Yarrowia lipolytica yeast biomass

Commission rejects health claim for monacolin K from red yeast fermented rice

Amendment to  labelling requirements for the novel food partially hydrolysed protein

EU amends maximum levels of certain contaminants in food

Amendment to specifications for the novel food  Schizochytrium sp. oil rich in DHA and EPA

Commission authorizes the juice of the stems of the Angelica keiskei plant as a novel food

Commission authorizes 2’-Fucosyllactose produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli W as a novel food

Commission authorizes Lacto-N-fucopentaose I and 2'-Fucosyllactose mixture produced by derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 DH1

Commission authorizes seeds and seed flour of Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. as a traditional food

Commission decides to register new European citizen initiatives that include food labeling

EFSA launches new webtool to calculate dietary exposure to food enzymes

EU approves new GMO maize varieties

EU amends maximum levels of certain contaminants in food

EU takes position on analysis and trade standards for olive oils

EU allows milk iron caseinate to be added to food and food supplements

Member States endorse ban of bisphenol A in food contact materials

Amendment on marketing standards for olive oil published

Commission authorizes isomaltulose from microbial source as a novel food

Amendment to the Regulation on marketing standards for olive oil

Amendment published on identity and quality characteristics of honey, fruit juices, jams, jellies, marmalades, chestnut cream and preserved milk.

European Commission changes conditions of use for tartrates food additives

Corrigendum to Commission Notice on spirit drinks guidelines published

Correction of errors on Danish, Slovak and Slovenian language versions of Annex II of the regulation on food additives

Denmark's request for maintaining its national provisions on the addition of nitrites to meat approved by the Commission

Corrections to the implementing provisions on egg marketing standards

European Commission updated hygiene requirements for animal products

Parliament adopted new measures to make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste

Member States endorse withdrawal of smoke flavourings from EU market

European Parliament blocks new definition of “Engineered Nanomaterial”

The EU provides a more informed breakfast

New max levels for T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and grains

Commission authorizes monosodium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as a novel food

Commission authorizes beta-glucan from Euglena gracilis as a novel food

Commission authorizes 3′-Sialyllactose sodium salt as a novel food

Commission authorizes Duckweed protein as a novel food

Commission authorizes calcidiol monohydrate as a novel food

Established EU reference laboratory for food improvement agents

Amendment to specifications for the novel food galacto-oligosaccharide

Amendment to specifications of the novel food astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae

Conditions of use of the novel food lactitol amended

Amendment to maximum levels of DON in food

MEPs set to adopt new rules “breakfast directives” to improve consumer information

Amended maximum levels for the sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in infant foods

Recommendations on the control of nickel in food

Advocate-General to the CJEU: No unilateral ban on fruits and vegetables because of a failure to display country of origin

Changes required in the sampling of dried herbs, herbal infusions, teas and powdered spices for mycotoxins

EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices - Annual Report

Provisional agreement on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste

Commission publishes its first Monthly report on EU Agri-Food Frauds

Requirements for certification of hops and hop products and related controls

Exemptions from certification for hops and hop products

New rules on the indication and designation of ingredients of aromatized wine products

Commission to ban BPA in food contact materials

Renewal of marketing authorization for products containing, composed of or produced from some GM oilseed rape

Breakfast directives: deal to improve consumer information for honey, fruit jams, fruit juices and dehydrated milk

Some Member States express concerns about cultured meat

Authorization for placing on the market products containing, consisting of or produced from some GM maize

Amendments of category and use of various food additives for alcoholic beverages

Trimagnesium dicitrate (E 345(i)) authorized as additive in food supplements

Parliament Implementation report on Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 (nutrition and health claims)

Commission publishes Q&A document on de-alcoholization of wines

Iron Hydroxide Adipate Tartrate authorized for use in food supplements

Deleted certain flavoring substances from the Union list

Commission restricts the use of certain flavouring substances in foods

EU approves the name " Vino generoso de licor” among protected traditional terms

New EU Regulation on sampling and analysis methods for mycotoxin content in foods

New EU Regulation on sampling and analysis methods for plant toxins in food

Amended conditions of use for novel food astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae

Partially hydrolysed protein from spent barley and rice authorized as a novel food in the EU

Apple fruit cell culture biomass authorized as a novel food in the EU

New regulation proposal on packaging and packaging waste

New proposal for the regulation of honey, fruit juices and jams

Finland and Italy oppose the restrictions on single-use packaging

IPA calls for a responsible use of the term "probiotic"

Implementing rules for the use of recycled plastic in single-use plastic beverage bottles

New rules for wine labelling enter into force

Smoke flavourings to be banned in the EU

Commission publishes document on questions and answers on wine labeling

Update of the Novel Food Catalogue

Commission amends egg marketing standards

Amended conditions of use for novel food Partially Defatted Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica) Powders

Sodium salt of 6′-sialyllactose authorized as a novel food

3-fucosyl-lactose authorized as novel food

EU Commission - New GMO approvals and authorisation renewals

Corrections to language errors in EU list of novel foods

Stearyl tartrate (E 483) removed from authorized additives

New stricter limits for nitrites and nitrates in foods

Amendment on the use of buffered vinegar as a preservative and acidity regulator in foods

EFSA to develop structured database on novel food information

Amended the list of products exempted from official controls at border control posts

Food contact materials: new substance approved

"Meaty" denominations debate transferred to the European Court of Justice

Amended conditions of use of novel food astaxanthin-rich oleoresin

Amended conditions of use of novel food 3′-Sialyllactose sodium salt

Amended specifications of novel food lacto-N-neotetraose (microbial source)

Corrigendum on aromatised wine products regulation published

Maximum residue levels for nicotine amended

Increased maximum levels for cadmium in tiger nuts and cultivated fungi

Regulation on plastic food contact materials amended

Commission amends requirements for mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 471)

EU Commission - New GMO approvals and authorisation renewals

Commission publishes amendment on food additives

Commission rejects health claim on beta-glucans in ready-to-eat breakfast cereal

Plastic caps: harmonized standard for test method adopted by the Commission

New amendment to labeling Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 published

Health claim on organic food rejected by the Commission

Commission publishes amendment on nicotinamide riboside chloride added to foodstuffs

Commission publishes amendments on maximum residue limits for phosmet in certain products

Change in conditions of use of protein extract from pig kidneys as a novel food

Commission authorizes iron milk caseinate as a novel food

Commission extends uses of the novel foods 2’-Fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)

Commission authorizes human‐identical milk oligosaccharide as a novel food

Commission authorizes cellobiose as a novel food

Commission authorizes aqueous ethanolic extract of Labisia pumila as a novel food

Commission authorizes new conditions of use of the novel food Lacto-N-neotetraose

Commission adopts Recommendation on the methodology for the monitoring of food additive and food flavouring intake

Commission authorizes Yarrowia lipolytica yeast biomass as a novel food

Commission authorizes coffee leaves of Coffea arabica as a novel food

Corrigendum on use of glycosylated steviol glycosides as a sweetener published

Commission authorizes Phosphated distarch phosphate produced from wheat starch as a novel food

New guidance on the definition of nanomaterial adopted

Prohibition of detoxification extends to all food containing contaminants

Desugared Fermented Orange Juice is not novel

The "Breakfast Directives" under revision

Future amendments for glycerol (422) specifications proposed

Amendment to the specifications on the novel food 2′-fucosyl-lactose (microbial source) published

Commission updates marketing standards of agri-food products

Food additive occurrence data in food and beverages intended for human consumption

Canarium indicum L. dried nuts authorized as a novel food

Roasted and popped kernels from the seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb (makhana) authorized as a novel food

Health claim referring to the reduction of disease risk authorized

Protein requirements for infant and follow-on formula manufactured from protein hydrolysates published

Low and no alcohol beer in the EU: status and legal challenges

Challenges in naming plant-based alternatives

The marketing of products containing genetically modified oilseed rape authorized

Nicotinamide riboside chloride authorized for use as a source of niacin

2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde included in the Union list of flavorings

The marketing of products containing genetically modified soybean authorized

Bovine milk osteopontin authorized as a novel food

Maximum levels of arsenic in certain foods

Biotechnologically produced sodium hyaluronate is not novel in food supplements

Glucosylated Steviol Glycosides authorized as a new sweetener in European Union

Carbomer authorized as a food additive in European Union

Reference values for nitrofurans and their metabolites published

Dried nuts of Canarium ovatum Engl. as a traditional food

Maximum levels of Δ9-THC in hemp seeds and derived products

EFSA updates QPS list

Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium

3′-Sialyllactose sodium salt authorized as a novel food

Lacto-N-tetraose authorized as a novel food

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom) mycelia authorized as a novel food

Correction of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 establishing the Union list of novel foods

Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) authorized as a novel food

3-Fucosyllactose authorized as a novel food

Acheta domesticus (house cricket) authorized as a novel food

Vitamin D2 mushroom powder authorized as a novel food

Classification of titanium dioxide as a carcinogen annulled

Bovine milk beta-lactoglobulin (β-lactoglobulin) as a novel food

Antrodia camphorata mycelia as a novel food

Amendment on green tea extracts

Perfluoroalkyl substances in certain foodstuffs

Methods for analysis for the control of the levels of trace elements and processing

Amendments on Green tea extracts

Food contact materials containing bamboo

Lipid and magnesium requirements for total diet replacement for weight control

EU - CJEU: Definition of medical foods should be interpreted strictly

Maximum levels of dioxins in certain food products

Amendments to food additives in tuna

Amendments to specifications for food additives

Amendment to Regulation on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

Recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods

Study results on food information to consumers

Removal of certain flavouring substances from the Union list

Modification of the list of certain flavoring substances

Perfluoroalkyl substances in food

Specifications for food additives

Maximum levels of THC in hemp seeds and products derived therefrom

Conditions of use of the novel food galacto-oligosaccharide

Iron hydroxide adipate tartrate authorized as a novel food

Conditions of use of the novel food Schizochytrium sp. oil rich in DHA and EPA

Maximum levels of hydrocyanic acid in certain foodstuffs

Titanium dioxide banned as a food additive

Use and the specifications of the novel food nicotinamide riboside chloride

Authorization of products made from genetically modified maize

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (E1201) in food for special medical purposes

Glycolipids as a preservative in beverages

Kernels from Jatropha curcas L. authorized as a novel food

Calanus finmarchicus oil authorized as a novel food

Use of oat lecithin in cocoa and chocolate products

Tetrahydrocurcuminoids authorized as a novel food

Delegates from European Union involved in Codex Alimentarius meet face-to-face

Looking at the past, present and future of European food control

Commission revises the definition of nanomaterials

Cannabidiol novel food evaluations on hold pending new data

Monacolins from red yeast rice

Food containing genetically modified maize authorized

Food containing genetically modified soybeans authorized

Denied health claims on blood pressure reduction

Denied health claims on lactose digestion, DNA integrity and improved arterial stiffness

Denied health claims on the immune system

Denied health claims on weight loss and normal gingival function

Denied health claims about improving subclinical anxiety and mild anxiety

Galacto-oligosaccharide authorized as a novel food

Trans-resveratrol authorized as a novel food

Mung bean protein authorized as a novel food

Amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives

A further step in the development of nutritional profiles

Authorization of products made from genetically modified cotton

Authorization of products made from genetically modified oilseed rape

Authorization of products made from genetically modified cotton

Protein requirements for infant and follow-on formula manufactured from protein hydrolysates

Authorization of products made from genetically modified soybeans

Monitoring of the presence of furan and alkylfurans in foodstuffs

EU Court clarifies labeling of vitamins

Commission corrects list of novel foods

Cetylated fatty acids authorized as a novel food

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) authorized as a novel food

Akkermansia muciniphila authorized as a novel food

Specifications for baker's yeast as a novel food

Commission amends Food Additive Regulations

Acheta domesticus authorized as a novel food

Guidance for establishing and applying tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and minerals

Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 on titanium dioxide (E 171)

Adoption of the ban on titanium dioxide

Commission consultation on recycled plastic in food packaging

Commission consultation on standardized mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling

Regulation UE 2021/2142 on maximum levels of opium alkaloids in foods

New Regulation EU 2018/848 on production and labeling of organic products in force from January 1, 2022

Regulation EU 2021/2129 authorizing calcium fructoborate as a novel food

Regulation EU 2021/2079 on vitamin D2 mushroom powder as a novel food published by Commission

Results of first EU-wide survey about herbs and spices authenticity published by Commission

Public consultation on nutrition labeling and nutrient profiling published by EFSA

Synsepalum dulcificum nuts authorized as a novel food

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1935 on organic production and labeling of organic products

Second insect (Locusta migratoria) authorized as a novel food

Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on the list of flavoring substances amended by Commission

Ban on Titanium Dioxide (E 171) in the EU

EU to ban the use of Titanium Dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022

EU: NEW DAILY LIMITS TO GREEN TEA CATECHINS

Scientific guidance for the submission of dossiers on food enzymes published by EFSA

EU to ban the use of Titanium Dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022

Code of Practice for the classification, manufacturing, use and labelling of colouring foods published

Regulation (EC) No. 2021/1532 including new flavoring substances used in food published

Facing the Public E-nforcement Challenge in the E-Food Market

Safety evaluation of yellow mealworm as a novel food published by EFSA

A Graded Approach for Evaluating Health Claims about Plant-Based Food Supplements: Application of a Case Study Methodology

Safety evaluation of whole house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as novel food published by EFSA

Authorized modification in the conditions of use of the novel food oleoresin rich in astaxanthin

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme catalase from the genetically modified published by EFSA

Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of EPA, DHA and DPA published by EFSA

Health claim evaluation on grape seed extract and maintenance of normal blood pressure published by EFSA

Authorized changes in the specifications of the novel food Coriandrum sativum coriander seed oil published

The marketing of Schizochytrium sp. Oil has been authorized as a novel food

Modifications to the labeling of spirits published in the Official Gazette

Safety evaluation of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) as a new food additive published by EFSA

Health claim evaluation on fructan mixture and normal defecation published by EFSA

Amendment to the list of novel foods to include oil rich in arachidonic acid and lacto-N-tetraose published

Commission lowers the maximum residue limits of lead in food

Draft Commission Regulation refusing to authorise a health claim made on foods published

The essentiality of nutrients: a challenge to methodological monism in the scientific substantiation of health claims

GMO standards in South East Europe: assessing a GMO index within the process of EU integration

Use of Food Additive Titanium Dioxide (E171) Before the Introduction of Regulatory Restriction Due to Concern for Genotoxicity

European Politics of Food Origin. A Semiotic Analysis of Geographical Indications

The need for European harmonization of Nutrivigilance in a public health perspective: a comprehensive review

Assessment of Health Claims Related to Folic Acid in Food Supplements for Pregnant Women According to the European Regulation

Caffeine Health Claims on Sports Supplement Labeling. Analytical Assessment According to EFSA Scientific Opinion and International Evidence and Criteria

Commission authorizes the placing on the market of Schizochytrium sp. (WZU477) oil as a novel food

Regulation of nutrition labeling of foods in the European Union and Hungary; A historical review from the beginning to the present day

Outcome of the public consultation on draft EFSA Statement on the derivation of HealthBased Guidance Values (HBGVs) for regulated products that are also nutrients

Mandatory Method-of-Production Labelling for Animal Products in the EU: A Case Study

Assessment of Health Claims Related to Folic Acid in Food Supplements for Pregnant Women According to the European Regulation

Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the European Union: a behavioural, legal and political analysis

SEVERAL PLANT PREPARATIONS TO BE BANNED IN THE EU

Legislation on aromatic herbs in food

EU: Consumers Information Regulations

Constructing consumers: regulatory and methodological consequences of defining consumer preferences in European health claim regulation

Regulations on functional products in different countries

TRANSITION PERIODS AFTER BREXIT IN FOOD AND COSMETIC SECTORS IN THE UK: FAQS

European union policies on food information and consumers : the case of labelling in Malta

Health Claims on foodsWhat is the future of botanicals?

Health-related claims in food supplements endorsements: a content analysis from the perspective of EU regulation

EFSA: scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi07 contributes to increasing lactose digestion pursuant

EFSA: Scientific substantiation of a health claim related to coffee C21 andprotection of DNA from strand breakspursuant to Article 13.5 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Macroalgae as food and feed ingredients in the Baltic Sea region regulation by the European Union

Novel and Traditional Foods: Novel Food Regulation in the EU

EFSA: Anxiofit1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

The World of Supplements Regulation

Next Generation Health Claims Based on Resilience: The Example of Whole-Grain Wheat

Food Supplements: Definition and Classification

Novel Foods in the European Union: scientific requirements and challenges of the risk assessment process by the European Food Safety Authority

Probiotics Regulation in Foods Worldwide

Consumers are unaware about European legislation on communication of the health benefits conveyed by claims. An empirical survey

Botanicals in Functional Foods and Food Supplements: Tradition, Efficacy and Regulatory Aspects

European Regulatory Framework and Safety Assessment of Food-Related Bioactive Compounds

Options to Reform the European Union Legislation on GMOs: Post-authorization and Beyond

Health and Nutrition: Policy, Consumer and Industry Perspectives

Health Claims and Food Labelling: Chapter 2 - Impact of Health Claims Regulations on the Food Industry and Future Innovation Potential

Health Claims and Food Labelling: Chapter 3 - Supporting the European Food Industry to Meet Nutrient Labelling Regulations

Health Claims and Food Labelling: Chapter 4 - Health Claims Regulation: Opportunities and Challenges in Europe

An update on negative claims in the EU and in EU Member States

DUAL FOOD QUALITY STUDY SHOWS FEW COMPOSITIONAL DIFFERENCES

NEW REGULATION REINFORCES THE MUTUAL RECOGNITION PRINCIPLE