Regulatory development ensuring the safe and sustainable use of feed, by-products, and fertilising products.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority plays a central role in shaping regulations that ensure the safe and sustainable use of feed, by-products, and fertilising products.
In discussions on the circular bioeconomy, requests for regulatory change are frequent. This page explains the Authority’s role and approach in developing such regulations.
Fundamental principles of European food safety
The General Food Law Regulation states that “a high level of protection of human life and health shall be ensured in all Union policies and activities.” Regulation is one of the key tools used to address identified hazards. The purpose of food safety legislation is to manage risks to public health, animal health, and the environment.
Where scientific knowledge is insufficient, legislation is guided by the precautionary principle.
The precautionary principle enables regulatory development
When regulations are based on the precautionary principle, there is a greater flexibility to introduce changes. However, four conditions must be met
- relevant scientific evidence must be available
- a positive risk assessment from the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) and/or EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority
- support must be secured from other EU member states (for EEA regulations), and
- Norwegian and/or European legislators must be willing to amend the regulations
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s role in regulatory development
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority plays a central and coordinating role in developing food regulations.
Dialogue with industry
Regulatory development often begins with dialogue with industry representatives. This helps identify areas where existing regulations may hinder development or innovation. At the same time, we are committed to providing tailored guidance to businesses of all sizes – from start-ups to established companies and groups.
Dialogue with the research community and funders
Once industry input has been reviewed internally, we share identified knowledge gaps with the research community and funding bodies. The aim is to ensure that research calls support applied research that informs regulatory decisions and provides the knowledge and evidence needed to underpin future regulatory changes.
Dialogue with other authorities
In parallel, we maintain a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience with other authorities, both in Norway and across the EU.
Insights from national and international research are actively applied to the regulatory development process.
Regulatory changes – just the tip of the iceberg
Regulatory changes are only the most visible tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lies extensive work – dialogue, evidence gathering, assessments, and procedures – that makes these changes possible.
Examples of our work
We address a wide range of technical and regulatory issues linked to the circular bioeconomy and sustainable feed, including:
- feed substrates for farmed insects
- recycling phosphorus for use in feed and fertilising products
- feed ban relaxations
- maximum levels of undesirable substances in animal feed and the need to regulate new substances
- maximum content of feed additives
- the definition of fishmeal
- production of feed materials from microorganisms
- hygienisation of fish sludge
- use of fish sludge as a raw material in CE-marked fertilising products, and
- export of organic fertilising products to the EU/EEA
We regularly publish guidance on these topics so stakeholders can stay up to date with the latest developments.
Circular economy and sustainable feed