Without doubt, the EU is the toughest regulatory nut to crack, and because of this, many EU-based and non-EU start-ups have serious concerns about trying to obtain novel food approval so are looking to other markets that have a quicker and less demanding regulatory framework. Hannah will give an overview of where we are in terms of regulating the future of food in the EU. She will summarize the advances made during 2023, highlight the key regulatory achievements and milestones, deep dive into the status of current novel food authorizations and timelines, and discuss what the current knowledge gaps are and what we still need from the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority to ensure a smooth and predictable route to market.