Europe's foodtech rules are ‘slowing’ innovation, says Astanor partner – but there's a silver-lining

In the last decade, hundreds of new foodtech companies have emerged, dishing up everything from insect protein powder to lab-grown meat.

Before they can come to market, though, these ‘novel foods’ must be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). That process can take up to four and a half years, according to a recent peer-reviewed study.

Harry Briggs, partner at Astanor Ventures, says the long and "fragmented" approval processes for novel foods are holding the foodtech sector back.

“European [food] regulations mostly slow innovation,” says Briggs, who’s spent decades in venture capital, including as partner at Balderton Capital and Omers Ventures, before joining Astanor last year.

In comparison, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically takes about 12 months to process novel food applications. In some countries in Asia, such as Singapore, the process can be even faster. That has pushed some European startups, such as Dutch cultivated meat company Meatable, to move parts of their operations outside the continent.

However, Europe’s food regulations aren't all a hindrance. “Clear regulatory pathways offer strong consumer trust and export credibility,” says Briggs. “Even if progress is slower.”

Tight rules on foods – new and existing – in Europe could also be making the continent healthier. The EU bans or limits over 1,300 food additives that are still allowed in the US, requires clear front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and regulates pesticide residues, GMOs, and trans fats far more tightly.

Europe faces a tough balancing act to speed up the path from lab to lunchbox while also protecting consumers.