‘Lentil protein’ obtained from red and/or yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) containing at least 85% protein on a dry basis: Determination of the status of a novel food, pursuant to Article 4(2) of assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

UK Regulated Product (RP) number: 2202

Name and description of the food concerned

‘Lentil protein’ obtained from red and/or yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) containing at least 85% protein on a dry basis. ^{(footnote 1)}

Definition of novel food

Article 3(2)(a) of assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 defines ‘novel food’ as any food that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the European Union or the United Kingdom (UK) before 15 May 1997, irrespective of the dates of accession of Member States, and which falls into one of the categories at (i) to (x) of that provision.

Status

The FSA determines that ‘lentil protein’ obtained from red and/or yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) containing at least 85% protein on a dry basis is not a novel food.

Reasons statement

The FSA was provided with evidence of a history of consumption applicable to ‘lentil protein’ obtained from red and/or yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) containing at least 85% protein on a dry basis within the UK and the EU.

The evidence, considered in its totality, was deemed sufficient to demonstrate a significant history of consumption for whole lentils and lentil flour in the UK and EU prior to 15 May 1997. 

The non-novel food processing techniques used to produce ‘lentil protein’ increase the relative protein content whilst maintaining the complete amino acid profile and relative content of key minerals and anti-nutrients observed in whole lentils. Therefore ‘lentil protein’ is considered equivalent to the protein consumed from whole lentil products.

Based on the evidence provided, the FSA has concluded that ‘lentil protein’ obtained from red and/or yellow lentils (Lens culinaris) containing at least 85% protein on a dry basis is therefore not novel.

This decision will be published on the FSA website and is applicable in England and Wales. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) will issue their own determination applicable in Scotland.