The seed of the Chia plant (Salvia hispanica) is considered a novel food.
Sale of chia seed and chia oil is permitted under the union list (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 with amendments). With the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/24 the use of chia seeds was extended to various different food categories and the maximum levels were removed from the food categories which do not require heat treatment.
The use of chia seeds and chia oil is permitted in the following food categories.
Chia seed (Salvia Hispanica)
- bread products (maximum content 5 %, whole or ground chia seeds)
- bakery products (maximum content 10 % whole chia seeds)
- breakfast cereals (maximum content 10 % whole chia seeds)
- sterilised ready to eat meals based on cereal grains, pseudocereals grains and/or pulses (maximum 5 % whole chia seeds)
No maximum levels:
- fruit, nut and seed mixtures
- pre-packaged Chia seed as such
- confectionery (including chocolate and chocolate products), excluding chewing gums
- dairy products (including yoghurt) and analogues
- edible ices
- fruit and vegetables products (including fruit spreads, compotes with/without cereals, fruit-preparations to underlay or to be mixed with dairy products, fruit desserts, mixed fruits with coconut milk for a twin pot)
- non-alcoholic beverages (including fruit juice and fruit/vegetable blend beverages)
- puddings that do not require heat treatment at or above 120 °C in their manufacture, processing or preparation
Chia oil from Salvia Hispanica
- Fats and oils 10 %
- Pure chia oil 2 g/day
- Food Supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46/EC 2 g/day
More detailed conditions of use and the labelling requirements are set out in the relevant regulation.
Listed here are examples of products containing chia and the authorisation status of such products in the EU food market. The interpretations have been arrived at in consultation with the Commission and the Member States.
| Product description | Authorisation status | Grounds |
| Chia jellies or puddings (incl. a product called Chia pod) | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category "fruit desserts" or "puddings" |
| Yoghurt with a separately packaged chia seed mixture in the lid | Authorised | The mixture in the lid is considered to be part of the ‘breakfast cereals’ food category and the seed is packaged separately from the yoghurt |
| Porridge containing chia seed | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category ‘breakfast cereals’ |
| Creamy dessert containing chia seed | Authorised | Considered to belong to the food category 'dairy products', 'fruit desserts' or 'puddings' |
| Tea-based drink containing added chia seed | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category 'non-alcoholic beverages' |
| Rice drink containing chia seed | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category 'dairy products and analogues' or 'non-alcoholic beverages' |
| Fruit juice based chia smoothie | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category ‘fruit juice mixtures’ |
| Fruit spread with chia seed served as a roll filling | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category 'fruit spreads' |
| Chia seed served as a salad filling | Not authorised | Unauthorised food category |
| Products where chia seed is packaged separately from the actual product, e.g. in the lid | Authorised | Chia seed may be sold in pre-packaged form |
| Loose sale | Not authorised | Chia seed may be sold in pre-packaged form |
| Vegetable pie containing chia seed | Authorised | Considered to belong to food category ‘bakery products’ |