Novel foods

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The EU Novel Foods Regulation (No. 258/97) was enacted in 1997 during a period of heated concern over the introduction of genetically modified (GM) foods into Europe. Understandably, there is a legitimate concern about the health and safety features of GM foods and other foods that are new to the European market. Nevertheless, health and safety issues are not the only concerns of the EU.

Under this regulation, a food is deemed to be "novel" if was not consumed by Europeans prior to 15 May 1997. For foods identified as novel, a lengthy and complex process must be followed in order to gain access to the European market. Compliance with this process is simply beyond the means of rural, small businesses from developing countries. Michael Hermann of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute explains:

“The regulation has emerged as a non-tariff barrier for trade in food items that are often derived from under-utilized crops and are viewed as “exotic” from the EU perspective. Current practice of the regulation has discouraged investment in supply chains, and particularly in market development. Research and development agencies concerned with neglected crops and poverty alleviation are still to recognize the potential threat, which the regulation poses to income generation in developing countries and poor farmers’ livelihoods.”

Unfortunately, biotrade products include natural foods and ingredients from developing countries which are deemed “exotic” and thus “new” under this EU legislation. The barrier of exporting these exotic traditional foods to Europe undermines the development objectives of both the exporting developing countries and the EU member states. Furthermore, they restrict innovation on the part of EU companies and diet diversification on the part of EU consumers.

Novel Foods Updates:

CBI article on Novel Foods Regulation, entitled: "Breaking down the novel food barrier: the CBI and UNCTAD attempts to get the EU markets more accessible continue".

[click here to download]

Communication from Peru regarding Regulation 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the council concerning Novel Foods
This communication was received on 31 March 2006 and has been circulated at the request of the delegation of Peru.

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