On April 10, 2024, the European Commission issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1037, (EU) 2024/1047, (EU) 2024/1046, and (EU) 2024/1048, having regard to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on novel foods, authorizing the placing on the market of monosodium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, 3'-Sialyllactose sodium salt produced using a derivative strain of Escherichia coli W (ATCC 9637), beta-glucan from Euglena gracilis microalgae, and protein concentrate from Lemna gibba and Lemna minor as a novel food. These Regulations enter into force from April 30, 2024. On April 11, 2024, the European Commission issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1052, authorizing the placing on the market of calcidiol monohydrate as a novel food. This Regulation enters into force from May 1, 2024. Moreover, the the European Commission amended the specifications and conditions of use of 3 already authorised novel foods, namely astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, lactitol, and galacto-oligosaccharide.

In the first quarter of 2024, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Official Journal of the European Union, EFSA published assessment results for 6 Novel Foods, including applications for 4 new Novel Foods, notification on 1 new traditional food from a third country and the modification of 1 novel food already authorized. Additionally, EFSA requested scientific and technical assistance as regards the evaluation of 1 Novel Food, and there were no new authorizations (approvals) for Novel Food in the EU in the first quarter of 2024.

We have made a list of free webinars scheduled for 2024 for your reference.

On Feb 9, 2024, the European Commission proposed a new draft aimed at amending the existing regulations on food contact materials (FCMs), involving a ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives. The draft amends (EU) No 10/2011 and (EC) No 1895/2005, and repeals (EU) 2018/213. Bisphenol A (BPA), known as 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylpropane (CAS No: 80-05-7), is a monomer or starting substance widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, polysulfone, epoxy resins, and other resins. It is extensively used in plastics, varnish coatings, inks, adhesives, and rubbers.

On December 21, 2023, the European Commission issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2847 and 2023/2851, authorizing the placing on the market of apple fruit cell culture biomass and partially hydrolysed protein from spent barley (Hordeum vulgare) and rice (Oryza sativa) as a novel food. These Regulations will enter into force on January 10, 2024.

In recent years, fueled by consumers’ growing demand for low-calorie diets, sweetness-related keywords such as “low-sugar” and “zero-sugar” remain highly popular. Sugar substitutes are widely used in the downstream food and beverage industry, due to the characteristics of high-sweet, low-calorie, and not causing a rise in blood sugar levels.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) stands as a unique carbohydrate present exclusively in breast milk, ranking as the third-largest solid component, following lactose and fat. With diverse functions, HMOs plays a crucial role in enhancing the gut microbiota, boosting cognitive function, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, among other benefits. Currently, there are over 150 known types of HMOs, each with distinct structures, functions, and applications. Several types have initiated compliance efforts globally, with commercialization taking root first in the EU and the United States.

European Union (EU) has maintained a relatively stable trend of food substance approvals in Q2 over recent years, while the approval of food substances in Q1 and Q4 experience notable fluctuations. In contrast, Q3 has seen only one approval in 2021 and 2022, and none this year. While Q4 just started, it has seen two newly approved HMO substances, 3-FL and 6'-SL, both of which are of microbial origin.

On August 11, 2023, the European Commission released the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1627, amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 by adding bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (FCM No 1079) into the authorized substance list for food contact plastic materials.

EU 2023/1442 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No.10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food was published on July 11, 2023.