FSANZ calls for comment on infant formula additions

FSANZ has called for comment on the addition of four human identical milk oligosaccharides in infant formula. The application is seeking to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the voluntary addition of a mixture of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and difucosyllactose (DFL) (2'-FL/DFL); lacto-N-tetraose (LNT); 6'-sialyllactose sodium salt (6'-SL); and 3'-sialyllactose sodium salt (3'-SL).

FSANZ CEO Sandra Cuthbert said breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed infants, but safe and nutritious formula is needed for infants who are not breastfed.

The four substances are naturally present in human milk and their addition to infant formula will support the development of products that better reflect human milk.

“FSANZ’s safety assessment identified no health or safety concerns with the substances, which were found to play a positive role in supporting infant growth and development by promoting a healthy gut microbiota,” Cuthbert said.

If approved, the current infant formula permissions in the code will be expanded, allowing the four substances to be used individually or in combination up to maximum permitted amounts.

FSANZ has also proposed to remove an existing prohibition on the use of inulin-type fructans (ITF) and/or galacto-oligosaccharides in IFP with lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) to provide regulatory clarity and allow for greater flexibility in combinations of oligosaccharides in IFP.

The period for comment closes at 6 pm (Canberra time), 7 July 2023.

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