Chromochloris is a novel food – the exact species matters

Teaser: The whole green microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis, also known as Chlorella zofingiensis, is classed as a novel food in the EU. For procurement, product development and regulatory teams, taxonomic identity therefore becomes the starting point for every raw-material approval. Any material sold under the commercial name Chlorella must be accompanied by clear documentation of the species actually used.

Germany confirms the novel food status of the whole alga

On 30 September, the European Commission published the outcome of an Article 4 consultation with Germany as the receiving Member State. It concerned the whole eukaryotic green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis; the document lists Chlorella zofingiensis as a synonym. The outcome classifies the product as a novel food in the category covering foods consisting of, isolated from or produced from microorganisms, fungi or algae [1].

Consumption history was decisive. The authorities consulted had no information showing significant human consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997, either under the current scientific name or under the designation Chlorella sp. In assessing significant consumption of this species, the authorities relied on species-specific evidence and excluded possible historical admixture in other Chlorella products. The determination also cites morphological differences from other Chlorella species [1].

Article 4 establishes the status – authorisation follows under a separate procedure

The procedure classifies the described raw material for regulatory purposes. Safety assessment and authorisation are distinct subsequent stages. Before a novel food may be placed on the market, EU law requires authorisation and inclusion in the Union list, together with the applicable specifications, conditions of use and, where relevant, labelling requirements [2]. The status determination therefore brings the raw material within the authorisation regime.

The scope is narrow: it concerns the whole alga of the specifically named species. Extracts, fractions, differently composed biomass and other species each require a product-specific status determination. The commercial term Chlorella covers raw materials with different regulatory positions.

Taxonomic identity drives raw-material approval

For current microalgae projects, supplier documentation should therefore bring together the scientific name, synonyms, robust identification of the species and, where relevant, the strain, the biomass used, the manufacturing process and the exact form of preparation. A specification stating only “Chlorella” leaves both the organism supplied and the regulatory basis for marketing unclear.

This creates an early decision point for development and procurement: does the specific raw material fall within an existing authorisation, does it require a novel food authorisation procedure, or should the formulation move to an alternative that can already be marketed? The question needs to be resolved before firm decisions on pricing, claims and market launch. A mismatch between the commercial name and taxonomic identity can undermine the assumed basis for placing the material on the market. The actual species and preparation remain decisive, irrespective of the name under which the raw material is offered.

Yours, Andreas Gebhart

Sources

All sources last checked and accessed on 15 October 2026. The published German version was checked on 16 October 2026.

1. European Commission: Article 4 status determination for Chromochloris zofingiensis, published 30 September 2026; overview of novel food status consultations.
2. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, Article 3(2)(a)(ii), Articles 4 and 6.

Note: This News item provides professional context. A regulatory and product-specific assessment remains necessary. Image: AI-generated.