A peculiar category of novel foods: Traditional foods coming from third countries and the regulatory issues involving sustainability, food security, food safety, and the free circulation of goods

Abstract

Since 1997, traditional foods coming from Third Countries and not regularly consumed in the European territory before 1997 are included in the definition of Novel Foods provided by the EC Legislator. This peculiar category of 'new' foods has raised significant issues, also at the international level, due to the important and strict link between the marketing of such foods and the promotion of sustainable development. The chapter aims at deeply analysing the legislative debate, as well as the regulatory solutions finally approved by the EU legislator, by highlighting the persistent challenges, paying particular attention to the difficult balance-point determined - or still to be determined - among the free circulation of goods, food safety, food security and sustainability.