Source: European Parliament
Foods obtained from Category c new genomic techniques (NGTs) plants fall under the Novel Foods Regulation[1] if they feature significant changes in the composition or structure of the resulting food, affecting its nutritional value, metabolism or level of undesirable substances. Given that such foods offer identifiable benefits to the consumer, food business operators have a strong interest in bringing such food to the market with relevant labelling information that is part of an authorisation under the Novel Foods Regulation.
It is the responsibility of food business operators to verify whether the food they intend to place on the EU market falls within the scope of the Novel Foods Regulation and complies with that regulation. The Official Controls Regulation[2] sets rules for the official controls performed to ensure compliance with food and feed law. These rules entrust national authorities with the responsibility to carry out controls at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of food and feed, including to ensure that food business operators apply for the necessary novel food authorisation where necessary, amongst others as regards novel foods that may derive from Category c NGT plants.
The Commission’s proposal on plants obtained by certain NGTs contains transparency measures for Category c NGT plants that would support food business operators in the assessment of whether the trait(s) and characteristics introduced or modified in a Category c NGT plant give rise to the significant changes in the food that would qualify it as novel. The Official Controls Regulation also provides the Commission with audit and control powers in the Member States and non-EU countries, enabling action at EU level when necessary.