Proposal for a European regulation on novel foods

The RSC responded in favour of a centralised procedure that would work to avoid national administrative procedures and unnecessary duplication. However, concerns were raised over the proposed simplified safety assessment for traditional foods from third countries and the definition of novel foods. These may result in confusion in the industry and also potentially cause problems with imports from outside the EU. Any decisions made under the new centralised regulation must be based on sound science, and not on a socio-political fear of new technology. Safety assessments for all foods should be complete and accurate, and where a new production process or breeding technology does not give rise to significant changes in the composition or structure of the food, the food should not be considered novel.