---
title: "FSVO classifies debittered and decolored split peas as not novel in Switzerland; not subject to novel foods authorization"
sdDatePublished: "2026-05-01T15:04:00Z"
source: "https://www.blv.admin.ch/dam/blv/en/dokumente/lebensmittel-und-ernaehrung/rechts-und-vollzugsgrundlagen/einstufung-entbitterten-entfaerbten-erbsenschrot.pdf.download.pdf/Classification%20of%20debittered%20and%20decolored%20split%20peas%20as%20a%20not%20novel%20food.pdf"
topics:
  - name: "food and drink regulations"
    identifier: "medtop:20000637"
  - name: "agriculture"
    identifier: "medtop:20000210"
  - name: "consumer issue"
    identifier: "medtop:20000353"
locations:
  - "Switzerland"
---


FSVO classifies debittered and decolored split peas as not novel in Switzerland; not subject to novel foods authorization

BLV-D-47263501/522
000.02.01
Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO
Food and Nutrition
Classification of debittered and decolored
split peas as a not novel food
Date: 30.04.2026
An application was submitted to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) for classifica-
tion of “debittered and decolored split peas” (extracted split peas) in relation to their novel food status.
Split peas made from yellow peas (Pisum sativum L.) have a history of human consumption prior to 15
May 1997 in Switzerland or a Member State of the EU and is therefore not considered novel. “Deb-
ittered and decolored split peas” is a product made from yellow split peas (Pisum sativum L.), whose
sensory properties (colour, odour, taste) are significantly improved by a two-stage extraction process
(solvents: 1,2-propanediol and water). The aim of the extraction is to reduce antinutritional substances
and to process the product into an intermediate product that is neutral in taste, smell and color, thereby
improving the suitability of yellow peas for use in a wide variety of foods.
The FSVO has examined the submitted documentation and has determined the Novel Food status of
“debittered and decolored split peas” (extracted split peas). The documents show that the composition
of the “debittered and decolored split peas” can be regarded as ‘equivalent’ to that of split peas made
from yellow split peas. Consequently, the “debittered and decolored split peas” do not fall under the
category
“food resulting from a production process not used for food production within the Union before 15 May
1997, which gives rise to significant changes in the composition or structure of a food, affecting its nu­
tritional value, metabolism or level of undesirable substances.” (Art. 15 para. 1 let. g of the Ordinance
on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles (FUAO; SR 817.02).
The FSVO concludes that “debittered and decolored split peas” are to be classified as ‘not novel’ and
therefore do not fall under the definition of novel foods pursuant to Article 15 paragraph 1 of the FUAO.
“Debittered and decolored split peas” (extracted split peas) are therefore not subject to the authorisa-
tion requirement for novel foods under Article 17 FUAO.