Course

The third module of this course explores key regulatory and ecological aspects of food quality and safety, with a focus on both innovative and traditional food systems. It begins by defining Novel Foods and their EU regulatory framework, distinguishing them from traditionally consumed foods in non-EU countries, and explaining the EU’s authorization process. The module then addresses Functional Foods, clarifying their regulatory definition and emphasizing the importance of proper labeling. A significant portion is dedicated to the ecological dimensions of food safety and quality in seafood and aquaculture, highlighting the broader One Health perspective, the risks of antibiotic overuse, and its environmental impact. Finally, the module underscores the critical role of traceability across the entire food chain, from farm to fork, and examines how digital technologies, such as IoT, blockchain, and QR codescan, enhance transparency and resilience in food systems, supported by real-world case studies.

Target audience:

• Professionals seeking to learn more about sustainable approaches, wishing to shift future production to a more One Health centered form and reducing their environmental impact.
• Professionals seeking to stay informed about latest innovations and advancements in production and processing techniques, novel and functional food legislations and tracebility.
• Researchers interested in improving production and processing efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact within the industry.
• Other contributer to the value chain, such as suppliers, policymakers, and industry associations, who play a curcial role in ensuring the sector's growth, innovation and sustainability. 

This course introduces the concept of Novel Foods, focusing on their regulatory framework within the European Union. You will explore the official definition of Novel Foods, how they differ from traditionally consumed foods in non-EU countries, and the specific procedures for their authorization in the EU market. Additionally, the course covers the notification process for traditional foods originating from third countries, providing a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory pathways that ensure food safety and compliance in the EU. By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate the legal and procedural aspects of bringing innovative and traditional foods to the European market.

This course explores the regulatory framework governing nutrition and health claims, as well as the addition vitamins and minerals to in the European Union. It demonstrates that under regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, health claims are divided into Nutrition Claims (e.g., "high fiber" or "reduced calories") and Health Claims, which must be scientifically substantiated. In addition regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 governs the addition of vitamins and minerals to foods, allowing enforcement, enrichment and fortification to restore lost nutrients, enhance nutritional value, or mimic the nutritional profile of traditional foods (e.g., plant-based milk). 

Food safety in the aquaculture and seafood sector, viewed through a One Health lens, emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal, plant, and environmental health to ensure safe food production. This approach examines both conventional solutions and practices in aquaculture and fish farming, addressing critical challenges such as antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), eutrophication, ecotoxicity, and waste management. To foster sustainability, the sector is increasingly adopting alternatives and better practices, including principles to reduce antibiotic reliance, while promoting a strategic, holistic approach that integrates biosecurity measures and effective waste management to safeguard ecosystems and public health.

In this lesson, we’ll explore how digital traceability is revolutionizing the seafood industry, making supply chains transparent, efficient, and sustainable.

You’ll discover real-world case studies, like Italy’s e-Fish® system and the NOVAFOODIES platform, which use blockchain, IoT, QR codes, and satellite data to track fish from catch to consumer. We’ll break down EU regulations and global standards that shape traceability, and you’ll learn how these tools help combat fraud, reduce waste, and build consumer trust.

Finally, you’ll get hands-on by designing your own traceability system for a small-scale fishery—applying what you’ve learned to create a practical, scalable solution. Ready to dive in? Let’s trace the future of seafood!

Now it is time for you to test you knowledge with the following quiz for module 3!