The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recently confirmed that monk fruit decoctions, are not novel in food and beverages in the EU.
‘Monk fruit decoctions’ are non-selective water extracts of the fresh or dried fruit of the plant Siraitia grosvenorii, commonly known as monk fruit or “luo han guo”, a naturally sweet low-calorie food. According to the conclusion reached by the FSAI in response to a consultation request submitted, monk fruit decoctions are considered not novel foods.[1]
When consulted initially, none of the competent authorities in the Member States in which the face-to-face interviews and surveys by questionnaire were conducted indicated that ‘monk fruit decoctions’ were used for human consumption to a significant degree within their jurisdictions prior to May 15, 1997. However, the UK, which had received a similar Article 4 request from the same applicant at around the same time as Ireland, concluded that human consumption to a significant degree within the UK before May 15, 1997, had been demonstrated. This happened after the applicant contested the evaluation of the FSA and initiated a revision procedure before the UK High Court.[2] Being an EU Member State until 2020, a history of significant consumption of a food within the UK before 1997 equates to a history of significant consumption of that food within the EU before 1997.
So, monk fruit decoctions can now be used in food and beverages in the EU. Selective extract e.g., for a high mogroside content; would be considered sweeteners, which still need authorization as a food additive in the EU.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel_food/consultation-process_en
[2] https://foodlawconsult.com/2024/07/19/monk-fruit-not-novel-in-great-britain/