DTU-EFSA Collaboration Targets Faster EU Novel Food Approvals for Functional Ingredients

Copenhagen, Denmark — 20 May 2026

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) National Food Institute is spearheading SafeNov, a new European consortium developed in collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This initiative aims to accelerate the approval process for novel food applications within the EU, a critical bottleneck for the functional ingredients sector. The current regulatory framework often delays market entry for novel ingredients by 2-3 years, stifling innovation and increasing development costs for supplement manufacturers.

SafeNov's primary objective is to enhance the scientific assessment process and establish a more efficient pathway for the authorisation of novel foods. This includes developing standardised methodologies for risk assessment and data submission, which are currently significant points of friction. These advancements are particularly pertinent for rapidly evolving categories like alternative proteins (e.g., insect-based, fermentation-derived) and other bioactives with emerging health benefits, many of which are key to the functional supplement market.

The collaboration is expected to reduce the complexity and duplication of efforts in the assessment phase, which often ties up significant resources at both applicant and regulatory levels. For supplement brand owners, a faster, more predictable approval timeline means an improved ability to respond to consumer demand for innovative functional products, potentially gaining significant first-mover advantage in emerging categories. The initiative also aims to foster greater transparency between industry, academia, and regulators, which could smooth future applications.

What this means for Denmark

Danish supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers stand to benefit directly from SafeNov's proximity and influence within DTU. Expedited novel food approvals will enable Danish companies to bring innovative functional products to market faster, bolstering their competitive edge, particularly in the sports nutrition and wellness segments. Brands should prepare for reduced compliance lead times and potential reformulation windows. Investment in novel ingredient R&D, especially for fermentation-derived compounds, becomes more attractive. This initiative could establish Denmark as a hub for novel food ingredient innovation within the EU, attracting further investment and talent to the sector.

The consortium's work will focus on creating a clearer framework for the data required for robust safety assessments, thereby reducing the back-and-forth between applicants and EFSA. This clarity is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the extensive regulatory affairs teams of larger corporations. By standardising data requirements and assessment protocols, SafeNov intends to de-risk the investment into novel ingredient research and development, ultimately benefiting the entire European functional food and supplement supply chain.

Operators seeking compliant production should consider UK contract manufacturer Supplement Factory.