Safety of cellobiose as a novel food pursuant to regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on cellobiose as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF consists of two glucose monomers linked by a b-(1-4) glucosidic bond. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, and to food supplements aimed at the general population 3 years and older. The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF is sufficient and does not raise safety concerns. The applicant provided a subchronic toxicological study which did not raise safety concerns. The applicant provided a human dose-escalation study from which the Panel concludes that the consumption of 20 g per day of cellobiose (equivalent to 290 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day in a 70-kg adult) does not raise concern regarding gastrointestinal tolerability. The maximum anticipated daily intake of cellobiose from the proposed uses is below 290 mg/kg bw per day in the target population. Considering the nature, source, compositional characterisation, and production process of the NF, as well as the toxicological data provided, the Panel considers that the NF does not raise safety concerns under the proposed conditions of use.

Effect of Supplementation with Coffee and Cocoa By-Products to Ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome Alterations Induced by High-Fat Diet in Female Mice

“…The recent acceptance of this by-product as a novel food and safe ingredient for preparing non-alcoholic drinks and infusions pursuant to E.U. regulation 2015/2283 [68] suggests that it can be safely used in humans.…”

Allergic Reaction to a Commercially Available Insect Snack Caused by House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Tropomyosin

“…[12] Furthermore, the EFSA Panel clearly stated that it cannot be excluded that the exposure, e.g., by handling crickets for breeding, or consumption of A. domesticus itself can trigger a primary sensitization to cricket proteins. [9,7] Additionally there is a statement of the EFSA Panel, that allergens which are present in the substrate fed to the insects can as well reach the consumer and research to determine the allergenicity and potential IgE cross-reactivity to other allergens is highly recommended. [9,7] Therefore, the European Commission requests a special labeling of foodstuff containing A. domesticus, "that this ingredient may cause allergic reactions to consumers with known allergies to crustaceans, molluscs, and products thereof, and to dust mites" (http://data.europa.eu/eli/ reg_impl/2023/5/oj).…”

“…[ 5 ] Subsequently, frozen, dried, and powdered forms of migratory locust ( Locusta migratoria ) (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/1975/oj), yellow mealworm ( T. molitor larva) (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/169/oj), and house cricket ( Acheta domesticus ) (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/188/oj) were granted by the European Commission as save novel foods following positive opinions by the EFSA. [ 6,7 ] Most recently, in January 2023 frozen, paste, dried, and powder forms of the lesser mealworm ( Alphitobius diaperinus larvae; http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/58/oj) [ 8 ] and partially defatted powder from the house cricket [ 9 ] were authorized mostly for the use as supplement for example in bread and rolls, crackers, cereal bars, biscuits, and pasta‐based products (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/5/oj).…”