Authorization of two new novel foods: dried berries from miracle fruit and the migratory locust

On the 15 November 2021, the European Commission has published two new regulations authorizing the placing on the market of two new novel foods.

The regulation (EU) 2021/1974 authorizes the placing on the market of dried fruits of miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum). Miracle fruit is now authorized in food supplements, at a maximum daily intake of 0.7 g/day. Children, pregnant and lactating women are excluded from the target population. This authorization is protected for a period of 5 years. During this period, only the applicant (Medicinal Gardens S.L., Spain) can put miracle fruit on the EU market.

The second authorization is related to Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), available as frozen, dried or powder forms (Regulation (EU) 2021/1975). The insect is authorized in various food categories, such as meat analogues, soups, salads, beer-like beverages, chocolate confectionery, or sausages for instances. It is mandatory to indicate on the labelling that this ingredient may cause allergic reactions to consumers with known allergies to crustaceans, molluscs and products thereof, and to mites. This authorization is also protected for 5 years, and useable only by the applicant (Fair Insects BV, The Netherlands).

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/1974 of 12 November 2021 authorising the placing on the market of dried fruits of Synsepalum dulcificum as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470.

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/1975 of 12 November 2021 authorising the placing on the market of frozen, dried and powder forms of Locusta migratoria as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470.

Photo by Rick van Houten on Unsplash