The pressing challenges of global climate change, rapid biodiversity loss and increasing antibiotic resistance are pushing governments around the world to tackle the unsustainability of the livestock sector. The Paris Agreement commits its parties to drastically reduce greenhouse gases to keep the rise in global temperatures below 2° Celsius. With the Farm to Fork strategy at the heart of the European Green Deal to make the EU climate neutral by 2050, the EU is supporting the shift to a healthier and more sustainable food system. Increased health concerns and awareness of zoonotic diseases have accelerated this development. The food sector is facing a fundamental change  ̶  in Europe and globally. 

This brochure provides an overview of the regulatory regime for bringing alternative protein products on the market of the European Union under the Novel Food Regulation 2015/2283. It explains the authorization procedure and the instruments available for protection of scientific data and other sensitive information submitted to support a novel food application. It also explores the competitive advantages that may arise from an authorization under the Novel Food Regime. 

What are alternative protein products?

Alternative protein products such as plant-based meat and cultured meat, as well as plant-based and cultured dairy and egg products will play a key factor in the transition of our food systems. The general perception of what constitutes meat, dairy and egg products will change drastically.