FSA Seeks Comments on Two Novel Food Ingredients

The U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has requested public comments on a
novel foods application submitted by a Swiss company seeking permission to
use algal oil in its food products.

The company suggests in its application that the oil, extracted from a newly
isolated strain of microalgae, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid and
proposes to use it as a source of the fatty acid in infant formula. The omega-3
fatty acid currently used in infant formula is derived from tuna fish oil or the
microalgae, Crypthecodinium cohnii.

FSA has also requested public comments on a second application, submitted
by Unilever, seeking permission to extend the use of phytosterol esters. Used
in the food industry for their cholesterol-lowering properties, phytosterol
esters are naturally present at low levels in vegetable oils. This is the third
application made by the Unilever for this ingredient. An application for
margarines with added phytosterol esters was approved in 2000, and an
application to extend use to “milk type” and “yoghurt type” products was
authorized in 2004. Unilever now seeks to extend phytosterol esters’ use in
margarines to include cooking, baking and liquid margarine products. FSA
will accept comments on both applications until February 28, 2014.

Issue 514