APPLICATION A433 - Phytosterol esters derived from vegetable oils as ingredients in fibre-increased bread and breakfast cereal bars

08/03

19 March 2003

INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

Full Report [ pdf287kb ]

Executive Summary

 
Goodman Fielder Limited has submitted an application to FSANZ seeking approval for the use of phytosterol esters derived from vegetable oils as a novel food ingredient in the manufacture of fibre-increased bread and breakfast cereal bars under Standard 1.5.1 – Novel Foods in theAustralia New Zealand Food Standards Code  (Food Standards Code). Standard 1.5.1 requires that novel foods undergo a safety assessment before being permitted in the food supply. If approved, the novel food is listed in the Table to the Standard and must comply with any special conditions of use also listed in the Table.

Prior consideration of the use of phytosterol esters as novel food ingredients resulted in permission for their use in a limited range of foods only where high intake levels are unlikely, namely edible oil spreads and margarines. Further safety data and additional scientific information was deemed to be necessary to extend the permission for their use in a broader range of food products. The applicant has supplied a clinical study and additional scientific information relevant to a safety assessment supporting the extended use of phytosterol esters in specific bread products and cereal bars.

This Initial Assessment report is not an assessment of the merits of this application but rather is an appraisal of whether the application warrants further consideration according to criteria laid down in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. It is the conclusion of this assessment that, having regard to the requirements of section 13 of the FSANZ Act, this application should be accepted.

This report outlines the relevant issues necessary to proceed with assessment of the application and also provides the general community with relevant information supplied by the applicant to assist in identifying the issues and parties that may be affected by a decision.

Public submissions are invited on this Initial Assessment report. Comments are specifically sought on the public health and safety aspects of this application, and the costs and benefits to the food industry in general. Should any submissions be received, those will be considered as part of the assessment process.

Full Report [ pdf287kb ]