Blog

What the data says about novel food applications.

Analysis drawn from published EFSA opinions, additional data requests, and official guidance. No speculation — just what the record shows.

16 June 20266 min

EFSA novel food roundup — May 2026

EFSA's register tells you what happened last month. It does not tell you what each new applicant is walking into. Our first monthly roundup: May's novel food activity, every dossier read against the bar its category has to clear.

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15 June 20268 min

What EFSA really checks: the deficiencies that predict a non-favourable opinion

The guidance tells you what to submit. It does not tell you how good your data has to be. We measured that bar from 239 published opinions — and a handful of deficiencies double the odds of failure.

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15 April 20265 min

What 240 EFSA opinions reveal about novel food applications

Most applications succeed — but almost all get stopped along the way. A data-driven look at outcomes, delays, and what they mean for applicants.

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15 April 20266 min

The 10 sections of an EFSA novel food assessment

Every novel food dossier is assessed against the same ten mandatory sections. Here is what each one covers and why it matters.

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15 April 20265 min

Why almost every novel food application gets stopped

91% of post-2018 dossiers received at least one additional data request. What drives these clock stops and what can applicants do about it.

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15 April 20264 min

Compositional data: the section that delays the most applications

Section 3 generates the largest variety of additional data requests. What EFSA expects, what most applicants get wrong, and how to avoid the common gaps.

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15 April 20264 min

Novel food vs traditional food notification: which pathway is right for your product?

Two pathways to the EU market under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. How they differ, which one applies to your product, and what each requires.

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15 April 20265 min

What EFSA looks for in your toxicological data

The toxicology section is the longest in the average novel food opinion. What studies are required, when waivers apply, and where applicants most often fall short.

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15 April 20265 min

Precision fermentation and the EU novel food regulation

What is different about precision fermentation applications. GMM characterisation, host organism safety, and the specific requirements that catch applicants off guard.

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