The UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA's) expert Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes is considering an application from Swiss firm Dow Wolff Cellulosics for approval to market a carbohydrate derivative, known as methylcellulose, as a novel food ingredient for use in a range of foods.
The FSA is seeking views on the expert committee's draft opinion that this novel food ingredient should be approved for use.
Dow Wolff Cellulosics, plans to include methylcellulose in ice cream, flavored milk drinks, cold desserts, smoothie-type drinks, yogurts and yogurt drinks. The applicant states that methylcellulose functions as a dietary fibre.
Methylcellulose, which is produced from plant material, is approved as a food additive in the European Union as an emulsifier, stabiliser and thickener.
A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.
Before any new food product can be introduced on the European market it must be assessed for safety. In the UK, the assessment of novel foods is carried out by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, an independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA.
