Report on a request for initial assessment for marketing of the marine microalgae 258.97 on novel foods and novel food ingredients.

The company Fitoplancton Marino S.L. requested authorization to market the microalgae Tetraselmis chuii in the European Union as a seafood flavouring agent. This foodstuff has no history of use in any significant quantities in the European Union prior to 1997 and therefore comes within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 258/1997 on novel foods and novel food ingredients.  
The Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food safety and Nutrition (AESAN) takes the view that, according to the information provided, there is no indication that consumption of the species of marine microalgae Tetraselmis chuii as a condiment, under the conditions proposed by the applicant, can produce adverse effects on health. The Committee concludes that the novel foodstuff presented for assessment meets the criteria for acceptance laid down by Regulation (EC) No 258/1997 on novel foods and novel food ingredients.