Food Law News - EU - 2001
FSA Letter to EU Commission, 5 April 2001
NOVEL FOODS - Application under EC Regulation 258/97 - Coagulated Potato Proteins and Hydrolysates thereof
The Competent Food Assessment Body for the UK Competent Authority, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), has considered the initial assessment report produced by the Netherlands Competent Authority on the marketing of Coagulated potato protein and hydrolysates thereof. The UK Competent Authority would be content for consent to be granted if the following conditions are met:
- There should be some form of quality assurance employed to ensure that the glycoalkaloid content and microbiological contamination of the potatoes before they are processed are monitored and maintained within safe levels.
- Similarly the manufacturing process itself should be monitored to ensure that the glycoalkaloids in the potato are not concentrated during the process.
- The company will need to demonstrate that the processing undergone by the potato proteins has not increased their allergenicity. There is a small risk that the concentration process may increase the risk of allergic reactions in subjects with sensitivity to potato or latex (cross reactivity between some individuals with these allergies). This could be investigated using sera from latex or potato sensitive individuals using western blotting. In addition any products containing these ingredients should be labelled to the effect that the product contains potato so that people with allergies to potato and latex can avoid those products.
- The company must ensure that the sulphite level is in accordance with European and National legislation. For example, in the UK, coagulated potato protein would fall under the EC Miscellaneous Food Additives Regulations. The level stated (324mp/kg protein) by the company would exceed the maximum limit stated for sulphite in a food additive (200mg/kg).
- Manufacturers using the coagulated potato protein in food production must be informed of the sulphite content to enable them to conform to any labelling legislation concerning sulphite in the final food product.
- The company must comply with EU/National legislation/Guidelines regarding enzymes used as processing aids in the manufacture of potato protein hydrolysates.
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