Tag: Novel food

As of late 2024, the European Union's regulatory stance on monk fruit has shifted significantly, with some forms becoming legal for use after being deemed non-novel. The question of is monk fruit sugar allowed in Europe is complex, depending on the specific type of extract and its history of consumption. This means that while certain monk fruit preparations are now permitted, highly purified monk fruit extracts intended as high-intensity sweeteners still face regulatory hurdles.

Over 2 billion people worldwide consume insects as part of their diet, a practice known as entomophagy. When processed into a fine powder, this sustainable protein source is commonly known as Tenebrio molitor powder or simply mealworm flour. This nutrient-rich ingredient is gaining traction in Western diets as a versatile addition to baked goods, smoothies, and snacks.

According to a 2019 study, farms supplying edible insects to markets have a high percentage of parasite contamination, with 30.33% of examined farms containing parasites potentially pathogenic to humans. This statistic highlights the significant risks associated with consuming raw insects, including mealworms, which must be handled and prepared correctly for safe human consumption.

With over 2 billion people worldwide consuming insects as part of their diet, a growing number of consumers are asking, what are mealworms used for in humans? These nutrient-dense larvae of the darkling beetle are gaining attention as a sustainable and protein-rich food source, moving from niche markets to broader culinary acceptance.

While the low-calorie sweetener allulose is widely available in the United States, Canadian consumers are often left wondering why they can't buy allulose in Canada. This restriction stems from Canada’s specific and rigorous regulatory framework for food products that are new to the market.

Although widely available in the United States and Japan, the low-calorie sweetener allulose remains unapproved for sale in major markets like the European Union and Canada. This disparity in regulatory status has prompted many to question: why is allulose banned in some countries?

In January 2025, the European Commission officially authorized UV-treated powder made from whole *Tenebrio molitor* larvae, commonly known as the yellow mealworm, for market use. This landmark decision means that powder made from flour beetle larvae has been sanctioned as a novel food ingredient across the EU, following a rigorous safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

According to a 2021 RASFF notification, Diindolylmethane (DIM) was not authorised as a novel food in the EU, a regulation the UK largely follows. This means that while the **DIM supplement is banned in the UK** is a misnomer, its sale is restricted under novel food laws.

Over 2 billion people worldwide eat insects as part of their diet, and that number is growing as consumers seek sustainable protein alternatives. But what type of protein powder is made from bugs and what are its key nutritional properties?

In October 2024, the EU officially declared aqueous monk fruit decoctions “not novel”. This created significant confusion, leading many to ask: is monkfruit sweetener banned in Europe? The truth is more complex, as the regulatory status depends heavily on the specific form of the monk fruit product.