Tag: Novel foods

Despite being widely approved in the U.S. and other countries, the question "why was monk fruit banned?" persists due to its complex regulatory history. The misconception stems largely from its delayed and restrictive status in the European Union, which classified certain extracts as 'novel food'.

According to the FAO, approximately 2 billion people worldwide already consume insects as part of their diet. While not currently a hidden practice in mainstream brands, some protein powder companies do use insects, specifically cricket or mealworm powder, as a sustainable and nutritious protein source.

As of December 2011, highly purified steviol glycosides derived from the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant were officially approved for use as a food additive in the European Union. So, does Europe use stevia? The answer is a clear yes, marking a significant milestone after decades of debate and safety evaluations.

While not a common sight in grocery stores, commercial deer milk has been safely and successfully produced for human consumption in some regions, particularly New Zealand. This concentrated, creamy milk offers unique nutritional benefits compared to traditional dairy, but significant challenges prevent it from becoming a mainstream product.

In 2016, Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially approved de-hulled, hairless canary seeds for human consumption, a significant step that moved this grain beyond its traditional use as birdseed. This decision was based on extensive research confirming the safety and high nutritional value of modern canary seed varieties, paving the way for it to be recognized as a novel food.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from malnutrition. Single-cell protein (SCP) has emerged as a potential solution to this global challenge, offering a sustainable, protein-rich food source derived from microorganisms. The central question for consumers, however, remains: is single-cell protein safe to consume?.

In 2015, a new, hairless variety of canary seed was granted Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption, a designation distinguishing it from traditional birdseed. This approval introduced a novel, nutritious, and gluten-free cereal grain to the food market.

Edible insects are a sustainable food source with high protein content, according to a 2021 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, the safety of cockroach protein is a concern.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over two billion people worldwide consume insects as a regular part of their diet. Despite being a protein-rich and sustainable food source, potential consumers often question, are there any health risks to eating insects?. The answer lies in understanding the specific hazards and ensuring proper sourcing and preparation.

According to the FDA's Food Defect Action Levels, trace amounts of insect fragments are legally permitted in everyday items like flour and coffee beans. Beyond this, commercially farmed crickets are being intentionally incorporated into a new generation of sustainable foods.