Exploring the future of food safety: novel foods and emerging production systems in focus

A recent webinar titled “The Future of Food Safety in Europe: Update of the Regulatory Framework and Research Needs on Novel Foods” brought together international experts to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of novel foods and their implications for food safety, regulation and trade.

The event was organized within the framework of two food science research projects, Excel4Pro and PROTWIN, and coordinated by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Centre (TÜBİTAK MAM) in Türkiye, as part of a webinar series aimed at supporting innovation and knowledge exchange on sustainable protein sources and emerging food technologies across Europe.

The webinar featured contributions from leading experts, including Dr Aytunga ARIK KİBAR, Project Coordinator, who delivered a presentation on the aim of the project. Véronique Lattanzio from the Food Production Science Institute, Bari, Italy (CNR-ISPA), representing the Foodsafety4EU platform, also contributed and Dr Betül Vazgeçer, Vice-Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, provided insights into ongoing Codex work and international standard-setting efforts. The event was moderated by Prof. Milena Corredig of Aarhus University Department of Food Science, Denmark.

Participants emphasized that innovation in food systems is accelerating, driven by sustainability challenges and the increasing demand for alternative protein sources such as plant-based foods, precision fermentation, and cell-based products.

Speakers underlined that while these innovations offer significant opportunities, they also introduce new and complex food safety considerations. In this context, the importance of science-based risk assessment, harmonized regulatory approaches, and international cooperation was strongly highlighted.

The role of the Codex Alimentarius Commission as the global standard-setting body was recalled as essential in supporting countries to ensure food safety while facilitating fair trade. Ongoing Codex work on new food sources and production systems (NFPS), including developments on risk analysis principles, hygiene practices, and safety assessment approaches, was presented as a key contribution to addressing emerging challenges.

The discussions also pointed to important research priorities, including: 

• strengthening safety assessment methodologies
• enhancing data sharing and international collaboration
• and developing new tools such as artificial intelligence (AI)-supported risk assessment

Participants agreed that addressing these priorities will be essential to ensure that innovation in food systems is accompanied by robust and forward-looking food safety frameworks.

The webinar highlighted that the future of food safety will depend on global collaboration, scientific evidence, and harmonized standards.

As food systems continue to evolve, international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission will remain central in ensuring that innovation progresses in a safe, transparent and trusted manner.

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Protwin project webinar, with recording of the event