Solar Foods Wins EFSA Safety Backing for Solein as EU Authorization Moves Into 2027

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed Solein, a gas-fermented protein developed by Finnish company Solar Foods, safe for its proposed use, advancing its novel food application toward final approval. However, Solar Foods anticipates that full EU authorization will take an additional seven to nine months, extending the timeline beyond the previously expected 2026 date. The next step involves the European Commission drafting an implementing act, which will require approval from a committee of member state representatives before Solein can be sold across the EU without needing separate national authorizations.

This positive EFSA opinion alleviates regulatory uncertainties for Solar Foods, enabling the company to expedite negotiations with food manufacturers and secure binding agreements. CEO Rami Jokela emphasized the importance of this milestone in moving towards a final investment decision for Factory 02, Solar Foods' planned large-scale production facility in Finland. Meanwhile, Finnish food group Fazer, a key partner and shareholder since 2019, stated it is prepared to launch consumer products containing Solein in Europe following final authorization, highlighting the ingredient's potential in the growing European protein market.