Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Council Press Release, 12 May 2015
Another round of constructive discussions on new EU rules for novel foods took place between the Latvian presidency and representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission on 12 May 2015. Despite certain convergence on some elements further work is required to reach an agreement. The presidency will brief the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives on 13 May to reflect on the next steps. Novel foods are foods not consumed in the EU to a significant degree before May 1997. They include for instance foods to which a new production process is applied.
Added value
The rules under discussion are aimed at making the authorisation process of novel foods faster and cheaper while preserving the high level of protection of human health. The draft new rules are also expected to facilitate the access to the EU market for traditional foods from third countries having a history of safe food use.
Still under discussion
Two of the most challenging elements of the discussions that remain to be addressed are the reference to cloning and the choice of the type of secondary decisions to authorise novel foods.
Background
The novel foods authorised under the current rules in the EU include for instance "rapeseed oil high in unsaponifiable matter", "rye bread with added phytosterols/phytostanols", "milk type products and yoghurt type products with added phytosterol esters", "coagulated potato proteins and hydrolysates thereof" and "phospholipids from egg yolk".
