FSA News Item, 16 August 2004
The Agency's expert advisers on novel foods and processes have approved a application
for a phytosterol to be regarded as 'substantially equivalent' to one already
on the market.
The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) concluded that the
company Cognis's phytosterol esters met the criteria for approval. Cognis want
to use the phytosterols in milk and yoghurt-type products, and yellow fat spreads.
Phytosterols are used by the food industry for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
They are naturally present at low levels in vegetable oils and in food derived
from such sources.
A food is regarded as 'novel' if it has no significant history of consumption or use within the European Union.