5. Expanding the horizon

5.2. Novel Food

Novel food is defined as food that has not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU before May 1997. This includes food produced using new technologies, such as gene technology, nanotechnology, or food derived from new sources, such as plants or microorganisms. Novel food must be approved by the European Commission before it can be sold in the EU.

Examples of novel food include: 
  • Plant-based meat alternatives
  • Algae-based food products
  • Insect-based food products
  • Seafood substitutes
  • Biofortified grains
  • Nutritious food products made from algae or fungi
  • Genetically modified crops
  • Nanotechnology-based food productsis
  • 3D printed food
3D printed food is printed with as 3D printer and specialized food-grade materials. 

Nanotechnology-based food products are food products that have been produced by using and manipulating of very small particles to enhance the sensory qualities of food, such as taste and texture, and also to increase the nutritional value. Examples of nanotechnology-based food products include fortified snacks, enhanced vitamins, and functional foods.