Jatropha curcas in food: what changes for manufacturers in 2026

Key data

Food industry companies working with Jatropha curcas L. grains in their edible variety have an immediate obligation: to review and adapt their products to the new conditions of use and technical specifications established by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1378, published on 24 June 2026 and in force since 23 June 2026.

This regulation modifies the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, which is the master list of novel foods authorized in the European Union. This is not a new authorization: the ingredient was already permitted, but now the rules of the game change regarding how it can be used and what specifications the product must meet.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/1378 introduces two types of changes regarding the entry of Jatropha curcas L. grains (edible variety) in the list of novel foods authorized by the EU:

Regulation 2017/2470 functions as a living list: any change in the conditions of a novel food is processed through an implementing regulation that modifies that list. This is the mechanism applied by Regulation 2026/1378.

Jatropha curcas L. grains in edible variety are an ingredient of plant origin with potential use in human food. The distinction between "edible variety" and other varieties of the plant is critical, as the species can contain toxic compounds in non-selected varieties. The regulation of its conditions of use responds precisely to the need to guarantee consumer safety.

Economic and operational impact

The impact for affected companies is not merely documentary: it involves a chain review of several business elements.

• Product reformulation: If the new conditions of use limit or modify the doses or food categories in which the ingredient can be used, it may be necessary to reformulate the final product.
• Update of technical datasheets: The technical specifications of the ingredient must be reflected in internal documentation and in information to the supplier or customer.
• Labeling review: Any change in conditions of use may affect labeling statements, especially if there are mentions of the ingredient or its properties.
• Communications to health authorities: Depending on the type of product and market, it may be necessary to notify changes to the competent authorities.
• Risk of market withdrawal: Non-compliance with the new conditions may result in product withdrawal from the European market, with the economic and reputational cost that this entails.

The cost of adaptation depends on the volume of affected products and the magnitude of changes in conditions of use. However, the cost of non-compliance—product withdrawal, sanctions and reputational damage—is systematically higher.

Who does it affect?

• Food manufacturers that incorporate Jatropha curcas L. grains (edible variety) in their formulations.
• Marketers and distributors of food products containing this ingredient and operating in the EU market.
• Importers of food products manufactured outside the EU that contain this ingredient and are intended for the European market.
• R&D and Quality departments of food companies working with novel foods or innovative ingredients.
• Regulatory advisors and food law consultants that provide support to companies in the sector.
• Ingredient suppliers that must update their technical specifications and certifications to comply with the new requirements.

Practical example

A Spanish company that manufactures energy bars and incorporates Jatropha curcas L. grains (edible variety) as a source of plant protein currently has this ingredient authorized under the conditions of Regulation 2017/2470.

With the entry into force of Regulation 2026/1378 on 23 June 2026, that company must:

1. Consult the updated text of Regulation 2017/2470 to identify exactly what conditions of use and specifications have changed for this ingredient.
2. Verify whether the dose or food category in which it uses the ingredient remains within the authorized limits.
3. Update the ingredient's technical datasheet with the new specifications and communicate it to its supplier.
4. Review the labeling of the final product to ensure it is consistent with the new authorized conditions.
5. If there are relevant changes, notify them to the competent health authority before continuing to market the product.

If the company does not carry out this review and continues to market the product under the previous conditions, it is exposed to food control authorities ordering the withdrawal of the product from the European market.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if the ingredient is in your portfolio: Check if any of your current or in-development products contain Jatropha curcas L. grains in edible variety.
2. Consult the updated text of Regulation 2017/2470: Access the consolidated version of the novel foods list to see exactly what conditions of use and specifications now apply to this ingredient.
3. Review formulations and technical datasheets: Compare the previous conditions with the new ones and determine whether your product continues to meet the requirements.
4. Update labeling if necessary: Any change in conditions of use may impact the information that must appear on the final product's labeling.
5. Communicate changes to suppliers and customers: If you are a manufacturer, inform your ingredient suppliers of the new specifications. If you are a distributor, verify that the products you market comply with the updated regulations.
6. Notify health authorities if applicable: Depending on the type of change and market, it may be necessary to make a formal notification before continuing commercialization.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601378