European Food & Flavour Regulatory Intelligence Report Key Legal and Regulatory Developments (7–26 June 2026)
1. Date: 9 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU authorises inulin-propionate ester as a novel food
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1219 authorising inulin-propionate ester as a novel food in the EU. The ingredient may be used in cereal bars and fruit smoothies for the general population. EFSA had concluded in June 2025 that the novel food is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The regulation also grants five years of data protection to Imperial College Hammersmith Campus, meaning only that applicant may place the ingredient on the EU market from 30 June 2026 unless another applicant obtains authorisation without relying on the protected data.
This is significant for food and flavour companies because inulin-propionate ester sits at the intersection of functional ingredients, fibre systems, gut-health positioning, and product reformulation. Bars and smoothies are also common carriers for flavour systems, sweeteners, acids, fibres and masking technologies. Any company developing functional beverages, snack bars or prebiotic-style products should review permitted categories, maximum levels, specifications and labelling implications. Source: (EUR-Lex)
2. Date: 9 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU amends temporary increased import controls for certain food and feed
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on temporary increased official controls and emergency measures for certain food and feed of non-animal origin entering the EU. The measure updates Annexes covering products from third countries subject to border checks because of risks such as pesticide residues, mycotoxins, ethylene oxide, microbiological contamination or other compliance concerns. The regulation specifically notes changes based on Member State control data, including revised treatment of products such as xanthan gum from China, which had been subject to controls linked to ethylene oxide concerns.
This matters directly to food and flavour companies because many flavour systems rely on imported botanicals, gums, stabilisers, spices, seeds, extracts and carrier materials. Increased checks can delay shipments, raise documentation burdens, and trigger additional testing or supplier qualification requirements. Companies using high-risk imported ingredients should review whether their raw materials, HS codes or origin countries are affected. Source: (EUR-Lex)
3. Date: 9 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU rejects Capsicum oleoresin as a plant-protection basic substance
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1209 refusing approval of Capsicum oleoresin as a basic substance under EU plant-protection rules. The decision is notable because Capsicum oleoresin is familiar to the food and flavour sector as a chilli/paprika-derived extract associated with pungency, colour and flavour. The Commission identified concerns including insufficiently clear composition and capsaicinoid limits. The decision also refers to the fact that capsaicin and related compounds are already controlled in other food regulatory contexts.
For the flavour industry, the decision does not ban Capsicum oleoresin as a food/flavour ingredient, but it is still commercially relevant. It signals regulatory caution around botanical extracts with variable composition and biologically active constituents. Companies handling chilli, paprika, pepper extracts, oleoresins, natural colours or pungency systems should ensure robust specifications, contaminant controls, capsaicinoid characterisation, and intended-use documentation. It may also affect suppliers seeking dual food/agricultural uses for botanical extracts. Source: (EUR-Lex)
4. Date: 9 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU updates infant and follow-on formula rules for protein hydrolysates
The European Commission adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/743 amending the compositional framework for infant and follow-on formula manufactured from protein hydrolysates. The regulation follows EFSA’s 2025 assessment of a specific hydrolysate derived from skimmed cow’s milk and whey protein concentrates. EFSA concluded that the hydrolysate is nutritionally safe and suitable as a protein source when used in formula meeting the assessed conditions. The regulation adds a new “Protein-related requirements group F” to the relevant annexes of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127.
This is important for specialised nutrition companies, dairy ingredient suppliers, flavour houses and masking-technology providers. Hydrolysed proteins often create bitterness, off-notes and sensory challenges, so formula changes may require flavour-masking, aroma-balancing or processing adjustments. Because infant nutrition is one of the most strictly regulated food categories in Europe, any change in authorised hydrolysate composition can affect product development timelines, claims, specifications, quality controls and market access. Source: (EUR-Lex)
5. Date: 10 June 2026
Country: European Union
EFSA confirms health concern from dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs
EFSA published an updated scientific assessment confirming that dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs remains a health concern in Europe. EFSA updated its 2018 assessment after the World Health Organization revised toxicity equivalency factors in 2022. EFSA set a new tolerable weekly intake of 0.6 picograms per kilogram body weight per week for combined exposure and found that exposure exceeds this level across all age groups.
This is significant for the food and flavour industry because dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are persistent contaminants that can affect animal-derived ingredients, fats, oils, dairy materials, fish ingredients, meat products and certain flavour bases derived from lipid-rich raw materials. Although EFSA does not itself set legal maximum levels, its opinion can lead the European Commission and Member States to reassess contaminant limits, monitoring priorities or enforcement expectations. Food manufacturers should review contaminant-testing programmes, supplier controls, and exposure contributions from high-fat ingredients. Source: (European Food Safety Authority)
6. Date: 10 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU authorises genetically modified soybean MON 94637 for food and feed uses
The European Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1185 authorising genetically modified soybean MON 94637 for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation in the EU. The authorisation is relevant to import, processing and placing on the market of food and feed containing, consisting of, or produced from this GM soybean, subject to EU traceability and labelling rules.
This matters to the food and flavour sector because soy derivatives are widely used across processed foods: soy lecithin, oils, proteins, emulsifiers, carriers, fermentation nutrients and compound ingredients can appear in flavour systems and finished products. Even where flavour houses do not directly purchase whole soybeans, downstream derivatives may raise documentation, GMO-status, identity-preservation and customer-declaration issues. Companies serving non-GMO, organic, clean-label or retailer-controlled specifications should confirm whether suppliers segregate MON 94637-derived materials and whether technical documentation remains aligned with EU labelling and traceability requirements. Source: (EUR-Lex)
7. Date: 11 June 2026 / published 12 June 2026
Country: European Union
EU authorises rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched carrot extract as a novel food
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306 authorising rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched carrot extract, known as cRG-I, as a novel food. The ingredient is derived from carrot pomace through enzymatic and physical processing. EFSA concluded in June 2025 that cRG-I is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The Commission also required a naming change: the applicant originally used “carrot fibre,” but EFSA had not assessed whether the material met the legal definition of dietary fibre under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, so the authorised name became “carrot extract.” NutriLeads B.V. receives five years of data protection from 2 July 2026.
This is highly relevant to functional foods, supplements and upcycled ingredient innovation. It also shows the EU’s sensitivity to wording that could imply a nutrition claim or compositional status not legally established. Food and flavour companies should note both the market opportunity and the labelling caution. Source: (EUR-Lex)
Below is Part 2, covering 13–19 June 2026. I focused on significant legal and regulatory developments that may affect the European food and flavour industry.
8. Date: 16 June 2026
Country: European Union
European Commission authorises mung bean protein as a novel food
On 16 June 2026, the European Commission adopted an Implementing Regulation authorising mung bean (Vigna radiata) protein as a novel food within the European Union. Following EFSA's positive safety assessment, the ingredient was approved for use in several food categories, including meat alternatives, bakery products, beverages, cereal-based foods, and other plant-based applications, subject to compositional specifications and conditions of use.
This approval is particularly important for the food and flavour industry because mung bean protein has become an increasingly attractive alternative protein due to its neutral flavour profile, favourable emulsification properties, and relatively low allergenicity compared with soy. The authorization expands the range of protein ingredients available for manufacturers developing plant-based foods, dairy alternatives, nutritional beverages, and hybrid meat products. For flavour houses, wider commercial use of mung bean protein creates additional demand for masking technologies, savoury flavour systems, bitterness modulators, and texture-enhancing flavour solutions that improve consumer acceptance of high-protein formulations. Companies supplying functional ingredients should also review product specifications, labelling obligations, and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with the new authorization.
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
9. Date: 17 June 2026
Country: European Union
EFSA updates scientific guidance on food enzymes used in food manufacturing
On 17 June 2026, EFSA published updated scientific guidance concerning the assessment of food enzymes submitted for authorization under Regulation (EC) No 1332/2008. The revised guidance provides greater clarity on manufacturing information, toxicological data requirements, dietary exposure assessments, and the characterization of enzyme preparations derived from microorganisms, plants, and animals.
The revised guidance has direct implications for enzyme manufacturers and food ingredient suppliers. Enzymes are widely used in baking, brewing, dairy processing, fruit juice production, starch modification, sugar manufacture, flavour precursor generation, and fermentation processes. Companies seeking new authorisations or renewing existing dossiers will likely need more comprehensive documentation to satisfy EFSA's updated expectations. For flavour manufacturers, enzymes play an increasingly important role in producing natural flavour preparations through enzymatic conversion of plant materials. More detailed regulatory expectations may increase development costs but should also improve consistency and confidence in future authorisations. Businesses planning new enzyme-based technologies should carefully review the updated guidance before preparing regulatory submissions.
Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
10. Date: 18 June 2026
Country: European Union
EFSA publishes updated pesticide risk assessments affecting imported fruits and vegetables
During the week of 18 June 2026, EFSA released several scientific outputs supporting the review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides used on imported fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other agricultural commodities.
Although these publications do not immediately change legislation, they form the scientific basis for future Commission decisions establishing new legal MRLs. Such reviews are closely monitored by ingredient suppliers because reductions in permitted residue levels may affect sourcing strategies, supplier qualification, import testing programmes, and purchasing decisions. For the flavour industry, many essential oils, botanical extracts, spice oleoresins, citrus oils, herbs, tea extracts, and natural flavour raw materials originate from crops covered by pesticide legislation. Any future lowering of residue limits may require additional analytical testing, supplier audits, reformulation, or sourcing from alternative regions. Companies relying on imported botanical ingredients should monitor these scientific opinions closely because they frequently precede legally binding amendments to EU pesticide legislation.
Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
11. Date: 18 June 2026
Country: European Union
European Commission continues evaluation of smoke flavouring primary products
During mid-June 2026, the European Commission and Member States continued regulatory work on the implementation of recent decisions concerning smoke flavouring primary products following EFSA's safety evaluations. Discussions focused on transition periods, permitted uses, and implementation of the restrictions adopted after EFSA identified genotoxicity concerns for several authorised smoke flavourings.
This remains one of the most significant regulatory developments affecting flavour manufacturers in Europe. Smoke flavourings are widely used in meat products, plant-based meat alternatives, cheeses, sauces, seasonings, snacks, and ready meals. Manufacturers continue to evaluate reformulation strategies, identify replacement flavour systems, and adjust product portfolios before transition deadlines expire. Companies supplying natural smoke alternatives, thermal reaction flavours, grill flavours, or fermentation-derived smoky notes may experience increased commercial demand as food manufacturers seek compliant substitutes. Regulatory affairs teams should continue monitoring implementation guidance issued by the European Commission and Member States to ensure uninterrupted market access.
Source: https://food.ec.europa.eu/
12. Date: 19 June 2026
Country: European Union
Member States discuss implementation of Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation for food businesses
During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meetings and related Commission discussions held in the week ending 19 June 2026, Member States continued implementation planning for the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Although the legislation extends beyond food law, it has major implications for food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and flavour companies operating throughout Europe.
The regulation introduces progressively stricter sustainability requirements covering recyclability, packaging reduction, recycled content, and reuse obligations. Food and beverage manufacturers will need to redesign many packaging formats while maintaining food safety, shelf life, barrier performance, and product quality. For flavour manufacturers, packaging changes can significantly influence flavour stability because oxygen transmission, moisture migration, light protection, and volatile aroma retention all affect finished product quality. Companies supplying sensitive natural extracts, essential oils, encapsulated flavours, or powdered ingredients should begin evaluating compatibility between new sustainable packaging materials and flavour stability. Early planning will help minimise reformulation costs and reduce the risk of product quality issues during implementation.
Source: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/
Below is Part 3, covering 20–26 June 2026. I have focused on significant legal and regulatory developments that could affect the European food and flavour industry.
13. Date: 23 June 2026
Country: European Union
EFSA and ECDC identify alfalfa sprouted seeds as the likely source of a multi-country Salmonella outbreak
On 23 June 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published a joint rapid outbreak assessment concluding that imported alfalfa seeds used for sprouting were the most likely source of a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka and Salmonella Typhimurium. More than 100 confirmed cases were reported across ten EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom. Investigators traced infections through epidemiological studies, microbiological testing, and supply-chain investigations, ultimately linking the illnesses to contaminated seed lots used in commercial sprout production.
The report has important implications for the food and flavour industry because sprouted seeds are frequently incorporated into ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, fresh meal kits, and premium foodservice products. More broadly, the outbreak reinforces the regulatory emphasis on preventive controls for low-moisture agricultural commodities that may later be consumed raw. Ingredient suppliers dealing in herbs, edible seeds, botanicals, spices, and minimally processed plant materials should review supplier qualification programmes, traceability systems, microbiological monitoring, and import documentation. Food manufacturers may also experience heightened inspection activity and customer audit requirements for raw agricultural ingredients.
Source: EFSA – Multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds
14. Date: 24 June 2026
Country: European Union
European Commission authorises rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched carrot extract as a novel food
Following publication in the Official Journal during the week of 24 June, the European Commission formally authorised rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) enriched carrot extract as a novel food under the EU Novel Food Regulation. The ingredient, produced from carrot pomace, may be marketed for specified food applications under defined compositional requirements. The authorisation also grants five years of proprietary data protection to the applicant and specifies that the ingredient must be marketed as "carrot extract" rather than "carrot fibre," reflecting EFSA's scientific assessment and the legal distinction between compositional terminology and nutrition-related claims.
The decision is commercially significant because it demonstrates the EU's continued support for innovative functional ingredients derived from agricultural by-products while simultaneously maintaining strict controls over product naming and consumer information. For the food and flavour industry, the authorisation creates opportunities for immune-health and functional food innovation, particularly in beverages, dietary supplements, dairy alternatives, and nutritional products. Flavour manufacturers developing systems for fibre-enriched or botanical-based formulations should also note the regulatory importance of precise ingredient descriptions and product positioning under EU food information legislation.
Source: EUR-Lex – Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1306
15. Date: 25 June 2026
Country: European Union
European conference highlights new scientific approaches to controlling Xylella fastidiosa
On 25 June 2026, EFSA published the outcomes of the Fifth European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa, where researchers, regulators, and agricultural experts discussed advances in surveillance, diagnostics, vector control, resistant plant varieties, and sustainable disease management. EFSA announced that updated scientific work will support a revised EU pest risk assessment expected later in 2026. The discussions reflected growing cooperation between Member States on preventing the spread of the pathogen, which continues to threaten olive trees, citrus crops, almonds, grapevines, lavender, and numerous ornamental species.
Although primarily an agricultural development, the conference has important downstream implications for the food and flavour sector. Many natural flavour ingredients—including citrus oils, olive-derived ingredients, herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and Mediterranean plant extracts—depend on stable agricultural production. Continued spread of Xylella could disrupt ingredient availability, increase raw material prices, reduce crop yields, and encourage diversification of sourcing regions. Companies relying on Mediterranean botanical ingredients should continue monitoring phytosanitary developments and consider supply-chain resilience strategies to mitigate future risks.
Source: EFSA – Fifth European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa
16. Date: 23 June 2026
Country: Ireland
Ireland implements amended EU import controls for foods of non-animal origin
On 23 June 2026, Ireland published S.I. No. 283/2026, amending its national legislation governing official controls on imports of foods of non-animal origin. The statutory instrument gives legal effect to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206, which revised the list of food products subject to increased border controls and emergency measures because of identified food safety risks. The amendments update Ireland's enforcement framework, ensuring that import inspections, documentary checks, identity verification, and physical controls align with the revised EU requirements from 30 June 2026.
For businesses importing ingredients through Irish ports, the regulations reinforce the importance of maintaining complete import documentation, certificates, analytical reports, and supplier compliance records. Companies sourcing herbs, spices, gums, botanical extracts, dried fruits, seeds, vegetables, and other plant-derived ingredients from countries subject to enhanced controls may experience additional inspections or sampling at the border. Although the legislation largely implements existing EU rules, it serves as a reminder that Member States are actively updating their national enforcement mechanisms to reflect evolving EU food safety legislation.
Source: Irish Statute Book – S.I. No. 283/2026
17. Date: 26 June 2026
Country: France / European Union
French court refers key Nutri-Score legal questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union
A significant legal development emerged during the week of 26 June 2026 when it became public that the French Conseil d'État had referred important questions concerning the legal basis of the Nutri-Score front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The referral stems from litigation challenging the revised Nutri-Score methodology, particularly the treatment of milk, drinking yoghurt, and flavoured dairy beverages as beverages rather than general foods. The French court asked whether Article 35 of the Food Information to Consumers Regulation permits Member States to recommend a simplified graphical nutrition scheme such as Nutri-Score and whether the scoring algorithm may legally incorporate factors beyond those expressly listed in the Regulation.
The referral could have major implications for food manufacturers across Europe. If the CJEU narrows the legal basis for Nutri-Score, Member States may need to reconsider national front-of-pack nutrition labelling systems. Companies producing flavoured dairy products, beverages, snacks, confectionery, and processed foods should monitor the case closely because future decisions may influence packaging design, product reformulation, nutrition profiling, and marketing strategies throughout the EU.
Source: Bird & Bird – EU Food Regulatory Case Law Update (June 2026)
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