Novel Foods are foods that are considered new for human consumption. Unlike known, trusted foods, novel foods must receive authorisation before being introduced into the marketplace. Authorisation is only granted for a novel food if it is safe.

Food or ingredients are considered "novel" if:

they possess a new or intentionally modified molecular structure (e.g. synthetic fat substitutes or fillers).

they come from plants unknown in Europe (e.g. new, exotic fruits, herbs, or spices).

they consist of microorganisms, fungi, or algae that are new to the human diet.

they are produced using novel technologies (e.g. new conservation or purification techniques).

Novel foods are governed by the novel food directive (258/97). Until the end of 2003, genetically modified organisms were regulated according to the novel food directive. Since then, genetically modified foods are governed by their own directive (1829/2003).