The European Commission has updated the list of Novel Foods authorized in the EU, extending the use of the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. To infant formula. Green light is also given to the sale of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) in bulk (1,2).
Novel food, green light to sell chia seeds in bulk
The French wholesale development association Réseau Vrac, in January 2020, asked the European Commission about the possibility of marketing chia seeds in bulk. The previous approval of Salvia hispanica L. seeds as ‘novel foods’ was in fact limited to their sale as pre-packaged products.
The Brussels executive-in light of EFSA’s opinion ‘Safety of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) as a novel food for extended uses pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283‘ (3)-found no risk to human health. The relevant entry, in the list of Novel Foods authorized in the EU, has therefore been amended accordingly.
Chia seeds, some cautions and limitations of use
Chia seeds are valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Their authorization in the EU in 2009 was subjected to quantitative limits on their use in food that were later removed in 2020.
Certain attentions are still required in the various stages of:
– self-control and official public controls, with regard to possible contamination by pesticide residues and mycotoxins. (4)
– use as an ingredient, subject to special limits on products subjected to temperatures >120 °C. In order to prevent the formation of acrylamide. (5)
Novel food: Schizochytrium limacinum, safe even for infants
Progress Biotech BV, a Dutch company specializing in Omega-3 products of algal origin, on 3/14/19 submitted an application to the European Commission to extend the use of the novel food ‘Oil derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp.’ – WZU477 strain – to infant and follow-on formulas intended for infants and young children in early childhood (EU reg. No. 609/2013). With confidentiality clause on its scientific studies supporting the application.
Following EFSA’s favorable assessment, (6) the Commission decided to award novel food status only to strain WZU477 and its proposed conditions of use. In line with the expectations of the applicant, whose studies were found to be essential in proving the safety of the novel food. Progress Biotech BV thus obtained exclusive authorization for 5 years, as was already observed with the microalgae Euglena gracilis in favor of Kemin Foods L.C.
Schizochytrium limacinum, a superfood devoted to the circular economy
The microalga Schizochytrium sp. is known for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) and is therefore used in the production of DHA-rich oils and additives for infant and early childhood formulas. As well as in aquaculture to promote the growth and efficiency of the immune system-thanks to the positive remodeling of the microbiota (as Algatan® for terrestrial animals)-with special emphasis on shrimp. (7)
The protein content (~40%) of the residual biomass also appears promising for its fates as a superfood (not yet explored), superfeed and fertilizer. An antioxidant-acting peptide-isolated and synthesized by protein hydrolysis of Schizochytrium sp. biomass-also lends itself to use as a natural antioxidant. (8)
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Notes
(1) Reg. EU 2021/668 Authorizing an amendment to the conditions of use of the novel food chia seed (Salvia hispanica) under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and amending Reg. EU 2017/2470. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0668&from=IT
(2) Reg. EU 2021/670 authorizing the placing on the market of oil derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. (WZU477) as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and amending Reg. EU 2017/2470. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0670&from=EN
(3) European Food Safety Authority, EFSA (2019). Safety of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a novel food for extended uses pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA Journal 17(4):5657, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5657
(4) Marta Strinati, Dario Dongo. Superfoods, growing interest and possible exotic risks. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 5.12.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/superfood-crescente-interesse-e-possibili-rischi-esotici
(5) Dario Dongo and Giulia Torre. Superfood, chia seeds. Green light from EU without maximum intake levels. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 6.2.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/superfood-semi-di-chia-via-libera-dall-ue-senza-livelli-massimi-di-assunzione
(6) EFSA (2020). Safety of Schizochytrium sp. oil as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA Journal 18(10):6242, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6242
(7) Xie et al. (2020). Schizochytrium limacinum supplementation in a low fish-meal diet improved immune response and intestinal health of juvenile Penaeus monodon. Front. Physiol. 11:613, doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00613
(8) Hu et al. (2019). Purification and identification of antioxidant peptides from Schizochytrium limacinum hydrolysates by consecutive chromatography and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Molecules 24:3004, doi:10.3390/molecules24163004
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Food Technologies and Biotechnologies, qualified food technologist, he follows the research and development area. With particular regard to European research projects (in Horizon 2020, PRIMA) where the FARE division of WIISE Srl, a benefit company, participates.
.){kind=link}