Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of water lentil powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Water lentils refer to aquatic plants belonging to the Araceae family and represented by five genera (Lemna, Wolffia, Wolffiella, Landoltia and Spirodela). The NF is thermally washed and dried water lentils, which are produced as a polyculture crop consisting of species from the Lemna genus (70–100%) and the Wolffia genus (0–30%). The main constituents of the NF are protein, fibre and fat. The Panel notes that the concentration of trace elements and contaminants in the NF is highly dependent on the conditions of cultivation of the plant and the fertiliser composition. The NF is expected to be stable and to comply with the specifications during the suggested shelf life. The NF is intended for human consumption as a food ingredient in herbs, spices and seasonings, sauces, soups and broths, protein products, dietary food for weight control and as a food supplement. The target population is the general population, except for food supplements which are exclusively intended for consumption by adults. The Panel considers that based on the composition of the NF and the proposed intended uses, the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous, except for the concerns regarding intake of manganese from the NF. No adverse effect was observed in the submitted 90‐day subchronic study, at the highest dose, 1,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day of NF. The Panel considers that, based on the protein concentration, the consumption of the NF may trigger allergic reactions. The Panel concluded that an increase in manganese intake from the NF used as food ingredient or food supplements is of safety concern and the safety of the NF cannot be established.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on water lentil protein concentrate from a mixture of Lemna gibba and Lemna minor as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Water lentil protein concentrate is produced from two water lentil species (L. gibba and L. minor) by separation of the protein fraction of the plant material from fibres, followed by pasteurisation and spray drying. The NF consists mainly of protein, fibre, fat and ash. The applicant proposed to use the NF as a food ingredient in a variety of food categories and as a food supplement. The target population is the general population when used as a food ingredient and exclusively adults when used as a food supplement. The Panel considers that taking into account the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. There are no concerns regarding genotoxicity of the NF. The Panel considers that the risk of the NF triggering allergic reactions is low. The Panel concludes that the NF, water lentil protein concentrate from a mixture of L. gibba and L. minor, is safe under the proposed conditions of use.