The F1Food Safety Authority shall conclude on the novel food status of a food within 4 months from the date on which it decided on the validity of the consultation request.

Where the F1Food Safety Authority identifies that it does not have sufficient evidence to decide on the novel food status of a food, it may request the food business operator to provide additional information. The period of that request shall be determined together with the food business operator.

F2....

Without prejudice to paragraph 4, a request for additional information referred to in paragraph 2 shall not extend the time period referred to in paragraph 1.

In duly justified cases, the F1Food Safety Authority may extend the time period referred to in paragraph 1 by a maximum of 4 months. The F1Food Safety Authority shall inform the food business operator, the F3appropriate authority of their decision and shall provide justification.

On concluding on the novel food status of a food, the F1Food Safety Authority shall without delay notify the food business operator, the F4appropriate authority of the decision and shall provide justification in accordance with Article 7 of this Regulation.