EU Safety extension of the use of Galacto‐oligosaccharides as a Novel food

On October 27^th, 2021, the European Food Safety Authority on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) published “Safety extension of the use of Galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283”.

The scope of the scientific document highlights the following:

• The Novel Food is a syrup containing ≥ 57% w/w GOS (w/w dry matter);
• The application use is as a food ingredient in dairy confectionery, cheese, and processed cheese, butter, and spreads;
• 10–30% increase in total GOS intake from the requested extension of use compared to the currently authorized uses at the highest 95th percentile;
• Total intake at the highest mean (8.7–22.0 g/day) is below the adequate intake (AI) of 25 g/day for dietary fiber set to ensure a normal laxation in adults;
• No tolerable upper intake level for dietary fiber has been set and only transient gastrointestinal symptoms may be related to high intake of fiber;
• Novel Food composed of ≥ 57% GOS dry matter, lactose, and related saccharides, is safe under the proposed extension of use.

To view the complete safety assessment document, check out the Food News Monitoring System.