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Novel Foods and Edible Insects in the European Union

An Interdisciplinary Analysis

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Über dieses Buch

This open access book proposes an in-depth study on a vast range of issues connected to the regulation of Novel Foods in the European Union, pursuing an interdisciplinary approach and thus providing a comprehensive picture of this complex topic. Particular attention is paid not only to the current EU legislative framework, its positive innovations, unsolved problems and limits, but also to food safety issues and the potential impact of Novel Foods on sustainability and food security. In addition, the book focuses on a particular category of Novel Foods: insects for human consumption. These products recently gained momentum after the first EU Commission authorisation of dried yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in 2021. The book contributes to the lively public debate following this long-awaited authorisation by examining the legal issues arising from the application of the Novel Foods Regulation to these peculiar new foods; the EFSA risk assessment evaluations; the consumers’ perceptions and potential future of insect-based products’ market in the EU. By providing such an extensive analysis, including recent developments and future prospects, the book represents a valuable tool for students and academics, but also institutions and public authorities, helping them understanding the various challenges related to Novel Foods and edible insects. Furthermore, it seeks to promote an informed debate in order to find innovative solutions to pressing problems concerning how to feed the world of tomorrow.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Open Access

Introduction: Feeding the Future Sustainably—What Role for Novel Foods and Edible Insects?
Abstract
Food systems all over the world are increasingly under pressure: according to the United Nations, in 2020, 2.37 billion people suffered hunger or were unable to eat a healthy balanced diet on a regular basis. This worrying scenario, mainly affecting developing countries in the Global South, has been exacerbated by different phenomena such as climate change, the global spread of Covid-19, and recent geopolitical tensions. In this context, innovation and technological progress have been considered important allies to promote environmental, social and economic sustainability in the food sector and provide solid answers to the urgent demand of accessible and safe food for present and future generations. So-called Novel Foods represent an interesting and relevant example of the potential role of innovation for the guaranteeing of food security. This introductive chapter aims to present the main issues affecting the food sector globally and offer some first insights on this Volume’s main topics: Novel Foods in the European Union and a particular category of ‘new’ foods, namely insects for human consumption. The structure of the book and the reasons behind the content selection are explored, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to such a complex topic.
Lucia Scaffardi, Giulia Formici

Open Access

Correction to: The Safety Assessment of Insects and Products There of As Novel Foods in the European Union
Gabriela Precup, Ermolaos Ververis, Domenico Azzollini, Fernando Rivero-Pino, Panagiota Zakidou, Andrea Germini

Novel Foods: A Necessary Premise

Frontmatter

Open Access

Novel Foods in the EU Integrated Administrative Space: An Institutional Perspective
Abstract
Paying particular attention to the institutional dimension of the EU legal framework for the placing on the market of Novel Foods, this chapter examines the main elements of Regulation 2015/2283, including the definition of Novel Food, the objectives of the legislative measure, and the procedure for the authorisation of Novel Foods. The analysis focuses especially on the roles of the diverse actors involved, and on the Regulation’s collocation in the broader context of EU food law and European integrated administration.
Annalisa Volpato

Open Access

A Peculiar Category of Novel Foods: Traditional Foods Coming from Third Countries and the Regulatory Issues Involving Sustainability, Food Security, Food Safety, and the Free Circulation of Goods
Abstract
Since 1997, traditional foods coming from Third Countries and not regularly consumed in the European territory before 1997 are included in the definition of Novel Foods provided by the EC Legislator. This peculiar category of ‘new’ foods has raised significant issues, also at the international level, due to the important and strict link between the marketing of such foods and the promotion of sustainable development. The chapter aims at deeply analysing the legislative debate, as well as the regulatory solutions finally approved by the EU legislator, by highlighting the persistent challenges, paying particular attention to the difficult balance-point determined—or still to be determined—among the free circulation of goods, food safety, food security and sustainability.
Lucia Scaffardi

Open Access

Food (In)Security: The Role of Novel Foods on Sustainability
Abstract
Food production today impacts heavily on the environment and available resources while at the same time failing to provide equal access to food security and healthy diets for everyone. To improve this situation, food production systems need to be redesigned in a more circular way, minimising food waste, developing new technologies, and exploiting novel biomasses for food production. Novel Foods are the consequence of this evolution and can play a pivotal role towards the target of providing sustainably produced, secure, and healthy food for everyone.
Stefano Sforza

Open Access

Why ‘New’ Foods Are Safe and How They Can Be Assessed
Abstract
The chapter presents an overview of the safety assessment process for Novel Foods within the European Union. The main steps are presented and discussed together with the applied methodologies. Bottlenecks and limitations are examined, also in view of increasing transparency in consumer communication and improving overall consumer trust in Novel Foods.
Chiara Dall’Asta

Edible Insects

Frontmatter

Open Access

Legislative and Judicial Challenges on Insects for Human Consumption: From Member States to the EU, Passing Through the Court of Justice of the EU
Abstract
The chapter presents an overview of the legislative regime regulating insects for human consumption in the EU territory. The analysis aims at underlining both the legal issues deriving from the previous EU Novel Foods Regulation 258/97 and the difficulties and concerns characterising the legislative evolutive path and the current Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. An examination of the recent CJEU intervention in the so-called Entoma case will lead to some conclusive remarks, intended to highlight open issues and possible future developments.
Giulia Formici

Open Access

The Safety Assessment of Insects and Products Thereof As Novel Foods in the European Union
Abstract
In the European Union, insects and products thereof fall under Regulation (EU) 2283/2015 on Novel Foods, as they were not consumed to a significant degree within the EU before 15 May 1997. This chapter elucidates the risk assessment process performed by EFSA, highlighting the various elements considered when assessing the safety of insect-derived foodstuffs. The information discussed stems from EFSA outputs on the safety evaluation of such products, which have confirmed the safety of their consumption under the proposed conditions of use.
Gabriela Precup, Ermolaos Ververis, Domenico Azzollini, Fernando Rivero-Pino, Panagiota Zakidou, Andrea Germini

Open Access

Consumer Perceptions and Acceptance of Insects As Feed and Food: Current Findings and Future Outlook
Abstract
In recent years, the use of insects as food and feed has gained widespread attention from industry, policy makers, the scientific community, and the general public globally. This chapter is devoted to providing insights on the current state-of-the-art around edible insects and the interlinkages among market, legislation and consumer acceptance. Future research developments are also explored.
Giovanni Sogari, Hans Dagevos, Mario Amato, Danny Taufik
Metadaten
Titel
Novel Foods and Edible Insects in the European Union
herausgegeben von
Lucia Scaffardi
Giulia Formici
Copyright-Jahr
2022
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-13494-4
Print ISBN
978-3-031-13493-7
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13494-4