Novel food refers to any food item that was not consumed to a significant degree by humans before 15 May 1997. Synonyms for novel food include new food, innovative food, non-traditional food, and contemporary food. Other synonyms may depend on the cultural context. For example, in Japan, novel foods are referred to as Shokuhin Chiteki Kuhan which means "food with scientific or technological characteristics." In the European Union, novel foods may also be referred to as 'foods with no history of consumption' or 'foods outside the Union's primary eating habits.' Whatever term is used, the concept of novel food refers to the introduction of new or uncommon food items to our diets.