Why Does Monk Fruit Extract Remain Only Partially Approved in the EU Regulatory Barriers and Policy Implications for Food Innovation

Monk fruit extract (Siraitia grosvenorii, MFE) is a natural, non-caloric sweetener known for its intense sweetness, antioxidant properties, and potential metabolic health benefits. While certain aqueous monk fruit decoctions are recognised as non-novel foods in the UK and Ireland due to significant pre-1997 consumption, the European Union (EU) has adopted a more cautious approach under the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. As of October 2024, only one specific aqueous extract of monk fruit...