EPIC-SHIFT - ATOVA REPORT

🇪🇺 EU Novel Food Approval Process Report Is Now Live!

Atova is proud to be a partner in EPIC-SHIFT, an EU-funded research project focused on the future of alternative protein sources. The project examines proteins derived from insects, fungi, algae, bacteria, and agricultural by-products, with the aim of building a comprehensive, unbiased knowledge base on their environmental, economic, and social potential.

EPIC-SHIFT brings together 20 partners from around the World from academia, research organisations, novel food developers, food innovation experts, consultants, regulators, start-up accelerators, consumer organisations, and primary production sectors. This diverse collaboration ensures a balanced perspective on the alternative protein landscape.

As regulatory experts in novel foods and alternative proteins, Atova's role within EPIC-SHIFT is to contribure deep regualtory insight and practical expertise. Our work includes:

• Sharing expertise on EU Novel Food regulations

• Providing global insights from key alternative protein regions

• Supporting policy and regulatory landscape analysis

• Monitoring consultations and publications

• Tracking and reviewing novel protein applications

• Accessing regulatory impact on market access for novel proteins

• Mapping communications channels and stakeholder activities

📘 The Report

As part of our ongoing contribution to EPIC-SHIFT, Atova has published a new report exploring how companies experience the EU Novel Food approval process in practice. Written by Atovee's Caroline Idowu and Sarah Harrison, the report brings together first-hand insights from applicants navigating this complex regulatory pathway. It highlights both where the system works well and where improvements could better support innovation in the alternative protein sector.

Based on interviewee feedback, the report identifies several areas where applicants would benefit from additional support, including:

• More substantive pre-submission advice

• Deeper engagement with EFSA scientific officers during post-submission clarification calls, helping applicants better understand the rationale behind additional data requests

• Clearer and more targeted technical guidance

👉 Read the Report

💬 The Interview

To coincide with the report's release, EPIC-SHIFT have published an interview with Caroline Idowu, Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Atova, in conversation with Julia Hava from EIT Food. This marks the launch of the project's new "EPIC Conversations" series.

Each interview in the series will spotlight a different perspective from industry actors, consumer organisations and academia to build a broad understanding of the alternative protein landscape.

In this interview, Caroline shares key findings from the research, along with practical takeaways and opportunities for improvement. Topics include the value of stronger pre-submission advice, clearer technical guidance, and deeper dialogue during the assessment process.

👉 Read the Interview