Yesterday the Food Standards agency completed its review of Raspberry Ketones and they have now officially been given a 'Novel Food' status. This means until an application to authorise the supplement is made and granted then it is not legal to sell within the European Union.
What is novel food status?
Novel food status is is a EU Regulation which covers food and food ingredients. It's overall purpose is to ensure that the food and ingredients that we are sold and eat are safe for human consumption and their purpose is not misleading.
How are foods and ingredients classed as novel?
The first step in classifying a novel food is to determine if it has had any significant history of consumption within the EU before the 15th May 1997.
- If Yes: then it is highly unlikely to be classified as a novel food
- If No: then a safety assessment is made to determine if it is safe to consume
Why have raspberry ketones been classed as novel?
Firstly they are a new product to the market and there is no history of consumption.
Secondly there has been a tendency to market raspberry ketones for weight loss and 'fat burning' - there is absolutely no evidence that the product helps with either of these therefore consumers are being misled.
Can I still buy raspberry ketones?
Not legally! Due to yesterdays classification as a novel food, this now means that they cannot be marketed legally within the EU until an application has been made to the Food Standards Agency. It will only be legal to sell again once the product has been approved and considered safe for consumption and not marketed in a way which misleads consumers.
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.