European food safety authorities have issued a notification through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) following the detection of creatine malate in food supplements distributed in several countries. According to RASFF Notification 2026.6410, the ingredient was identified during official controls in Poland and classified as an information notification for follow-up involving a potential risk. The notification concerns dietetic foods, food supplements, and fortified foods containing creatine malate, an ingredient that is considered an unauthorised novel food under EU legislation. As there is no evidence of significant consumption of creatine malate within the European Union before 15 May 1997, the ingredient requires pre-market authorisation under the EU Novel Food Regulation before it can be legally marketed. The affected products were distributed in several countries, including Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. Authorities have initiated enforcement measures, including market withdrawals in Poland and Italy, while competent authorities continue to monitor recalls and conduct follow-up investigations to trace affected products and inform downstream operators. Food business operators marketing products containing creatine malate in the EU should review their compliance status, as ingredients classified as novel foods must obtain authorisation before being placed on the EU market.
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