ASSESSMENT OF NOVEL FOODS - A CALL FOR A NEW AND BROADER GRAS CONCEPT

Novel or new foods may be those introduced for the first time from oth er parts of the world or they may result from the application of new o r modified physical, chemical, and biotechnological treatments perform ed separately or combined. In addition to offering new possibilities o f food for a growing human population, the development raises question s on the criteria for the acceptance of such foods. Conceptual, ethica l, and technological issues are involved and call for a world-wide deb ate on a new and broader GRAS concept, including not only toxicologica l and nutritional elements but also cultural and philosophical values. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.