The March issue of Haramata (54: March 2009) mentioned that “In July 2008, Phototrade Africa was [authorized] to market baobab dried fruit pulp in Europe… . [it will be] used in a range of products such as smoothies (mixed juice drinks), cereal bars … etc.” What struck us was the reason they had to be authorized. “Under EU [European Union] legislation, any food that has not been commonly eaten in Europe prior to 1997 is classified as a ‘novel food’ and must gain special approval before it can be used in products for the European market.”
The article does not discuss what is involved in getting such approval. This requirement is something to keep in mind if you are thinking of a possible plant product to export to the EU.
Haramata is published in English and French by the International Institute for Environment and Development in the United Kingdom (email: drylands@iied.org, website: www.iied.org)).
Cite as:
ECHO Staff 2009. Thinking of Exporting a Plant Product to Europe?. ECHO Development Notes no. 105