Is it allowed to add novel food ingredients such as insect protein to processed foods sold across the European Union after recent novel food updates?

Last updated on October 4, 2025

Yes, but only after authorization. The EU’s Novel Food Regulation and EFSA’s updated guidance in 2023–2025 require any novel ingredient like insect‑derived proteins to undergo a safety assessment and receive authorization before being placed on the EU market; authorized products must carry accurate labeling, allergen information and comply with specific production conditions, and unauthorized novel ingredients cannot be marketed for human consumption.

 

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/novel-food

2025-02-01 (EFSA guidance updates and novel food authorizations 2023–2025)

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