EU approves salatrim for use as food ingredient
salatrims, a type of reduced-calorie fats, for use as novel food
ingredients following an application by ingredients giant Danisco.
The long-awaited approval opens the way for manufacturers to use
the alternative fats in confectionery and bakery products.
Salatrims are a group of reduced-calorie triacylglycerides which were developed as alternative fats for bakery products and confectionery, particularly chocolate.
They are intended for people following a weight-loss diet and are authorised for sale to the food processing industry, not directly to the public.
The Standing Committee determined that salatrims are safe for humans to eat but it did take note of gastro-intestinal problems when large amounts (more than 30g per day) are taken.
For this reason the committee opted that authorisation requires all products containing salatrim to carry a statement that excessive consumption may lead to gastro-intestinal disturbance.
Labelling will also identify the product as containing "reduced energy fat (salatrim)" and state that the product is not suitable for children to eat.
Under the EU regulation (Regulation EC 258/97 of 27 January 1997), novel foods are foods and food ingredients that have not been used for human consumption 'to a significant degree within the EU before 15 May 1997'. Before being placed on the market novel foods must undergo a safety assessment. Only products considered safe for human consumption are authorised for marketing.
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