Novel Food is officially defined as food that was not significantly consumed in European Union prior to 15 May 1997 (when its first regulation came into force).

 

 

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What is a Novel Food Ingredient in Europe?

DEFINITION & REGULATIONS

 

Products are considered as Novel Food when it is extracted from a new source, or when its production process is new/innovative for example.

So, a substance consisting or produced by a microorganism can be considered as a Novel Food. The last scientific requirements expand the context of microorganisms us in Novel Food processes.

Not only the Novel Food can be produced by or consists (as active agent) of non-GM (Genetically Modified) microorganisms, but it now can also be produced by GM microorganisms.

To produce and sell Novel Food, it necessary goes through the compiling of a dossier substantiating the safety of thesaid Novel Food and its validation after evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

 

 

Challenges of EFSA Safety Evaluation

The EFSA safety evaluation process is notably challenging, characterized by its complexity and extensive requirements, which often introduce uncertainty. Applicants must diligently gather and present detailed data on the safety of the microorganisms involved, meeting stringent analytical and regulatory demands.

Feed Additives & Enzymes

 

This involves providing comprehensive scientific evidence, conducting thorough risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. The process requires extensive documentation and undergoes rigorous scrutiny, which can be overwhelming and necessitates significant time, expertise, and resources. Effectively navigating these challenges is essential to obtaining market approval and ensuring the safety and qualitye of Novel Food products.

 

Pricing

Our Offer: Identity and characterisation of the strain

Genomic characterisation of the production strain

• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
  1. Utilising a hybrid approach that combines Long-read and Short-read Sequencing, high-quality sequences are recovered to meet or exceed EFSA expectations.
• Data analysis
  1. De novo assembly is performed on the generated data by a specialised Bioinformatics team, generating a complete and precise genome sequence and enabling detailed characterisation of the production strain.

Search for genes of concern in the production strain

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Genes
  1. The presence of AMR genes is tested by comparing the strain genomic data to various and up-to-date databases.
• Virulence factors and toxin
  1. Similarly, searches are conducted both in databases and literature for virulence factors and toxin production genes to demonstrate the absence of safety concerns in the microorganisms used.

Absence of DNA from the production strain in final product

• DNA quantification
  1. Using qPCR, the presence of DNA from the production strain in the feed product is tested and quantified as required by EFSA, to prove its absence.

For Genetically Modified Microorganisms strains

• Sequence comparison
  1. The sequence of the strain of interest is compared with the parental or recipient strain to identify variants.
• Insert stability verification
  1. The stability of the gene of interest insert in the GMM strain is verified through PCR on the inserted region.

For QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) strains

• AMR gene determination
  1. Determination of AMR “intrinsic” and “acquired” genes in the production strain by comparing and analysing WGS data.

Dossier redaction

• Comprehensive documentation
  1. All the above analyses are delivered in a “ready to publish” format, containing all necessary results and analyses.
• Compliance with EFSA guidelines
  1. The dossier follows EFSA guidelines to meet their expectations, and data are provided in a standardised format.

 

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Advantages of our Offer

Content
Quality and Compliance

Rigorous Standards

Commitment to upholding the highest quality and regulatory standards, ensuring that all analyses and documentation align with EFSA guidelines.

Accurate and Reliable Results

Dedication to providing precise and trustworthy data, essential for the evaluation of safety and efficacy.

Strong History of Regulatory Approval Success

Proven Track Record

A demonstrated history of assisting clients in securing regulatory approvals, showcasing GenoScreen’s expertise in navigating the intricate EFSA evaluation process.

Comprehensive Dossier Preparation

Specialized in preparing detailed, EFSA-compliant dossiers that streamline the approval process.

Extensive Services

Complete Solutions

Providing a full range of services, from genomic characterization to dossier preparation, ensuring a smooth and integrated process for meeting EFSA requirements.

Tailored Support

Personalized services designed to address the unique needs of each client, whether for GMM strains, QPS strains, or standard production strains.

Other types of Novel Food …

… can also require genetical analyses, for example when it comes to insects for human consumption. The genetical analyses needed are also provided to you by GenoScreen.

top-tier genomic expertise

dedicated team

advanced technologies

 

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