# Microalgal Proteins and Bioactives for Food, Feed, and Other Applications
## 4 Legislation Governing The Use of microalgae
* The consumption history of an alga affects its regulatory status. Entry of a species or extracts from that species into the market is regulated by the Novel Food Regulation. This applies to species having not been used as food to a significant degree in any of the EU member countries before 15 May 1997. These algae need to undergo the authorization procedure in order to ensure their safety for human consumption (Regulation (EC) No 258/97). * In the New Novel Food Regulation (EC) 2015/2283, an additional notification system is provided for species that have a demonstrated history of safe use for at least 25 years in a country outside of the EU. The notification system may provide an easier route to the EU market for some microalgae species that have not been used in Europe but are consumed elsewhere. * The EU through Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 maintains an online list--the novel food catalogue--that contains the Union's list of all authorized novel foods. This legislation applies to microalgae intended to be used as food. This catalogue contains both European and imported algae, and to the current date there were 22 algae listed. The list is accessible at [[https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food/novel-food-catalogue_en](https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food/novel-food-catalogue_en)]([https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food/novel-food-catalogue_en](https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food/novel-food-catalogue_en)) (accessed on 21 December 2021) and includes six microalgae, including _Arthospira platensis_, _Chorella lutevoiridis_, _Chorella yvenoidosis_, _Chorella vulgaris_, _Chlamydomonas reinhardtii_ and _Spirulina_ sp. when the list was accessed on 1 November 2021. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Species** & **Fraction/Product** & **Effects** & **References** \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Arthrospira platensis_} & \multirow{3}{*}{Biomass} & Boost of fermentation & \multirow{3}{*}{[146]} \\  & & performance of lactic acid & \\  & & bacteria (LAB)22 a & & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Arthrospira platensis_} & \multirow{3}{*}{Biomass incorporated into bread (crostini)} & Increased protein and phenolic & \multirow{3}{*}{[147]} \\  & & content & \\  & & Increased antioxidant capacity & \\  & & Decreased protein digestibility & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Chlorella protothecoides_} & Water soluble extract of lyophilized & \multirow{3}{*}{7 days, resistant to high salt} & \multirow{3}{*}{[148]} \\  & biomass & & concentration (to 500 mM & \\  & & NaCl) at pH 2–9 & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Chlorella vulgaris_} & \multirow{3}{*}{Protein extract} & Emulsifying capacity and & \multirow{3}{*}{[127]} \\  & & stability comparable or higher & \\  & & that to commercial emulsifiers & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Chlorella vulgaris_} & Biomass incorporated into myanonaise & Improved nutritional value & \multirow{3}{*}{[149]} \\  & (replacement of eggs & & \\  by _Chlorella_ and acid & & & Positive effect on sensory & \\  & casein curd) & characteristics & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Haematococcus_} & \multirow{3}{*}{Biomass incorporated _pluvialis_} & Increased phenolic content and & \multirow{3}{*}{[150]} \\  & & antioxidant capacity & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & reduction in the rate of glucose & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & released during digestion & \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{_Nannochloropsis_ sp. _Tetraselmis_ sp. In the US, the FDA regulates both US laws applicable to microalgae-based food products, which are the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, regulating all food and food additives, and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, regulating dietary ingredients and supplements. The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition governs all food ingredients and is responsible for their safety [16]. * The European Union and United States have largely different attitudes and regulations that apply to microalgae-based products. One of the main differences is the criterion for novel food definition and consequently the authorization process [16].