Calls for submission on new infant formula ingredient

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on an application seeking permission to use a new form of an ingredient in products for infants and young children.

Steve McCutcheon, CEO of FSANZ, said FSANZ is considering an application for the use of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) derived from sucrose up to the same maximum levels as for inulin-derived substances including short-chain FOS derived from inulin.

“Short-chain FOS are non-digestible carbohydrates. Manufacturers wish to add these substances to better align the stool characteristics of formula-fed infants with the softer stools typically associated with breastfed infants,” McCutcheon said.

“It is proposed that short-chain FOS derived from sucrose would be permitted to be added to infant formula, infant foods and supplementary foods for children aged one to three years old.

“The Applicant also requested permission to use a new microbial source of invertase enzyme, from a strain of the fungus Aspergillus niger, as a processing aid in the production of short-chain FOS derived from sucrose.

McCutcheon said FSANZ has not identified any public health and safety concerns regarding these proposed changes.

For more information on Application A1055, click here. Submissions close in 11 February 2013.