A corrigendum published by the European Commission on 3 August 2026 corrects the term "terpentin" (turpentine) to "oleorezin" (oleoresin) throughout Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1026, which sets specifications for the novel food astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae. The correction applies to the title, recitals 3 through 10, footnote 6, and the Annex table entry in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, and affects all food business operators using or referencing this novel food. No changes are made to the specified dosage levels or extraction methods.
The corrigendum, issued in Brussels on 3 August 2026 (C(2026) 5714 final), corrects the original regulation adopted on 8 April 2024. The original regulation had authorized the novel food and established its specifications, including conditions of use. The correction clarifies that the substance is an oleoresin, not a turpentine, aligning the terminology with the actual product. Recital 6 of the corrected regulation confirms the daily use limits: 23 mg oleoresin (up to 2.3 mg astaxanthin) for children aged 3 to under 10, and 57 mg oleoresin (up to 5.7 mg astaxanthin) for adolescents aged 10 to under 14, in food supplements. The extraction process remains as originally described: algae cells are harvested, dried, and the oleoresin is extracted using supercritical CO2 or ethyl acetate solvent.
The correction is a technical amendment that does not alter the regulatory status of the novel food. It resolves a potential ambiguity in the original text, which could have led to misinterpretation by food business operators and enforcement authorities. The corrected terminology ensures that the product is accurately identified in the Union list of novel foods, facilitating compliance and market access.
For food business operators, the correction provides clarity on the exact nature of the authorized ingredient, reducing the risk of non-compliance due to mislabeling. National authorities responsible for enforcing food law will benefit from a more precise reference, aiding in consistent application of the regulation across member states. Consumers are indirectly affected, as the correction ensures that product labels and specifications accurately reflect the authorized substance, supporting informed choices.
The corrigendum is a routine administrative step, but it underscores the Commission's attention to precision in regulatory texts. It does not introduce new policy or alter the existing authorization, which was based on a scientific assessment of the safety of astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from H. pluvialis. The European Parliament and the Council are not required to act on this corrigendum, as it is a purely technical correction to an implementing regulation. The corrected text will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, becoming the authoritative version for all stakeholders.