,"On November 20, 2024, the Czech Republic's Ministry of Agriculture received a consultation request under Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 to determine the novel food status of a casein hydrolysate enriched with the tripeptides Valine-Proline-Proline (VPP) and Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP). This ingredient, produced through enzymatic hydrolysis during fermentation, contains a minimum of 6.7 mg/g of VPP and IPP and is intended for use in various food products. The Ministry concluded that this casein hydrolysate is considered a novel food under Article 3(2)(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. This determination aligns with a 2018 assessment by Ireland, which also classified a similar substance as novel due to its production process involving enzymatic hydrolysis and its elevated levels of VPP and IPP tripeptides. The product is listed in the EU's Novel Food Catalogue, indicating it was not significantly consumed within the EU before May 15, 1997, and thus requires pre-market approval under the current regulation. Scientific literature suggests that these tripeptides may have a modest but significant effect on blood pressure, further supporting their classification as a novel food with potential physiological effects. "
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