Given that European regulations have a significant impact on innovation and competitiveness among companies in the health nutrition sector, Biotech Santé Bretagne and Bretagne Compétitivité, in partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), organized a study mission to Brussels on April 8 and 9.
The goal of this immersion in the heart of the European institutions was to anticipate regulatory changes, share the challenges companies face in implementing regulations, and strengthen their network at the European level.
A Breton and interregional delegation to represent the interests of stakeholders in the field of nutrition and health
The mission brought together 11 participants, mostly from companies in Brittany, but also including representatives from the Pays de la Loire, Hauts-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, accompanied by Adeline Jacob and Régine Brielle, project managers at BSB, as well as Sophie Paillard, regulatory affairs advisor at Bretagne Compétitivité.
The goal? To gain access to insider information on the latest regulatory developments, understand how European institutions operate, and exchange best practices to better address the sector’s challenges.
A comprehensive program to explore regulatory issues
Over the course of these two days, participants had the opportunity to tour the European Parliament and, most importantly, attend targeted presentations and engage with European experts in the sector. Here are some of the topics discussed with the experts:
- Presentation on the role of the EHPM trade association and current issues in the nutrition sector
- Food Fraud : the case of specialized nutrition (dietary supplements)
- Update on regulations applicable to specialized nutrition (infant formula / dietary supplements)
- Nutrition and health claims: general framework and focus on infant claims / pending plant-based claims
- Update on European pesticide regulations and focus on biocontrol
- Presentation of SNE (Specialised Nutrition Europe) and infant nutrition: general framework, focus on young-child formulae and weaning foods
- Presentation of the role of France’s Permanent Representation to the European institutions and insight into legislative procedures
- Presentation of EFSA and its role in validating scientific dossiers related to specialized nutrition
Focus on the key role of EFSA and its services for small and medium-sized enterprises
EFSA offers services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that prepare and submit applications concerning regulated products, substances, and claims. To raise awareness of the general pre-submission advisory service and make it more accessible to SMEs, EFSA issues targeted calls for expressions of interest aimed at SMEs seeking guidance on preparing their applications, such as the calls for SMEs in the novel foods sector in 2024 and 2025.
The agency also actively collaborates with key EU and national institutions, such as EIT Food, the European Innovation Council, the European Commission’s DG GROW, and national SME support organizations. By contributing to their events and initiatives, EFSA helps ensure that SMEs have access to relevant information and training regarding application procedures and available support services.
What are the prospects for participating companies?
This mission provided an in-depth look at the European legislative process, offering participants a better understanding of how it works and its impact on businesses.
The mission enabled participants to:
- Anticipate regulatory changes and adapt their innovation strategies.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration at the European level.
- Strengthen their networks with key industry stakeholders (unions, institutions, experts).
The Biotech Santé Bretagne team is here to support you
Are you looking to innovate in the field of health nutrition, understand European regulations, or develop collaborations at the European level?
Contact our project managers:
- Adeline Jacob – Development and European Projects Manager – Health Innovation 📩 adeline@biotech-sante-bretagne.fr
- Régine Brielle – Health Nutrition & Prevention Project Manager 📩 regine@biotech-sante-bretagne.fr
(Translated with DeepL.com)
Published on 22/05/2026
