EU 2026 Novel Food: carrot extract cRG-I can now be marketed

Key data

Food and nutritional supplement manufacturers operating in the European Union have had a new authorized ingredient available since 12 June 2026: carrot extract enriched with rhamnogalacturonan-I, known by its acronym cRG-I. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306 formalizes this authorization and amends Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, which is the official register of novel foods permitted in the EU.

The authorization comes following the safety evaluation carried out by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which has concluded that cRG-I is safe for human consumption under the proposed conditions of use. This is not a generic authorization: the regulation sets specific conditions of use, ingredient specifications and labeling requirements that must be met in order to market products containing it.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306 incorporates carrot extract enriched with cRG-I into the official list of authorized novel foods in the EU, thus updating Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. Below are the key elements it establishes:

The EU's novel food regulatory framework requires that any food or ingredient that did not have a significant consumption history before May 1997 must go through an authorization process before it can be marketed. cRG-I now passes that process and is enabled for use in the European market.

Economic and operational impact

The authorization of cRG-I as a novel food has an impact mainly as a commercial opportunity for the sector. It does not generate direct regulatory costs for companies already operating in the market, but it does imply operational investment for those wishing to incorporate this ingredient:

• Product reformulation: Companies wishing to include cRG-I in their formulations will need to adapt their recipes and production processes to the conditions of use established in the regulation.
• Labeling update: Mandatory compliance with the specific labeling requirements set by the regulation. This involves review of graphics, legal texts and declarations on the packaging.
• Verification of technical specifications: Manufacturers must ensure that the cRG-I they purchase from their suppliers meets the technical specifications defined in the regulation.
• Access to new market: The authorization opens the possibility of launching differentiated products throughout the EU with an ingredient previously not permitted, which can provide a competitive advantage in health, wellness and supplementation segments.

For companies that already had an interest in cRG-I or had been following the authorization process with the EFSA, this regulation is the starting signal to begin product development and launch procedures.

Who does it affect?

• Food manufacturers wishing to incorporate cRG-I as an ingredient in their products.
• Nutritional supplement manufacturers interested in this extract as an active ingredient.
• Ingredient companies and distributors that supply cRG-I to the food industry in the EU.
• R&D and regulatory departments of food sector companies managing the development and launch of new products.
• Ingredient importers bringing cRG-I from third countries for use in European formulations.
• Regulatory advisors and food labeling consultancies that support their clients in complying with novel food regulations.

Practical example

A Spanish nutritional supplement manufacturer has been analyzing the market for functional ingredients derived from vegetables for some time. With the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306, cRG-I is authorized for use in the EU.

To launch a supplement containing this carrot extract, the company will need to:

1. Verify that the cRG-I supplier meets the technical specifications defined in the regulation.
2. Ensure that the doses and categories of use of the ingredient in its formulation comply with the authorized conditions of use.
3. Adapt the product labeling in accordance with the specific requirements established for cRG-I as a novel food.
4. Document regulatory compliance in case of inspection by the competent authority.

Without this authorization, marketing that supplement in the EU with cRG-I would have been unfeasible. Now, the company can proceed with product development and launch within the European legal framework.

What should companies do now?

1. Evaluate commercial interest: Determine whether cRG-I fits the company's product strategy and whether there is demand in the target segment.
2. Read the conditions of use and specifications: Review Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306 in detail to know exactly in which food categories and at what levels cRG-I is authorized.
3. Audit suppliers: Ensure that the supplied cRG-I meets the technical specifications required by the regulation before incorporating it into any formulation.
4. Update labeling: Prepare the mandatory texts and declarations for products that will contain this ingredient, in accordance with the labeling requirements of the regulation.
5. Coordinate with the regulatory department: Involve the regulatory affairs team or an external advisor specialized in novel food to validate compliance before launch.
6. Document the compliance file: Keep records of compliance with the conditions of use, specifications and labeling, in case of inspections by the competent authorities.

Official source

Consult full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601306