FSANZ requests comments on additive for plant-based milk

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is requesting submissions regarding an application to permit the use plant sterols in plant-based milk alternatives.

The application comes from Sanitarium Health Food Company, which seeks approval to extend the use of plant sterols (phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters) to plant-based milk alternatives — primarily for the use of consumers seeking to lower their cholesterol. The application notes that the Australian National Heart Foundation recommends the consumption of 2–3 g of plant sterol equivalents per day within a healthy balanced diet for people to benefit from the cholesterol-lowering effects.

FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said FSANZ’s safety assessment of the plant sterols found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand.

“Plant sterols have a long history of safe use and have been permitted to be added to certain foods for more than 20 years,” Cuthbert said.

Submissions will be accepted until 5 August at 6 pm Canberra time.

Visit the call for comments page to submit feedback regarding the application and be sure to check out the application documents for more information.

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