Views wanted on a new form of the nutrient Arginine - Inositol Stabilised Arginine Silicate (ASI) by 15 August 2016
26 Jul 2016 01:28 PM
A company has applied to the FSA for Inositol Stabilised Arginine Silicate, a new form of the nutrient Arginine, to be approved for use in the European Union (EU) as a food ingredient under Regulation (EC) 258/97. Views of the public are sought to inform the risk assessment of this product.
The applicant intends for ASI to be used in products for special groups, fortified foods and food supplements. The UK notes that the use of the ingredient in these products requires assessment and authorisation under Council Directives 89/398/EEC, 2002/46/EC and Regulation (EC) 1925/2006. We have therefore concluded that the novel food application requires additional assessment, as foreseen in article 6(3) of Regulation 258/97, and that a decision on authorisation as a novel food ingredient should be taken once EFSA's advice is available.
On 23 June, the EU referendum took place and the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. During this period the Government will continue to negotiate, implement and apply EU legislation. It will be for the Government, under the Prime Minister, to begin negotiations to exit the EU. The outcome of these negotiations will determine what arrangements apply in relation to EU legislation and funding in future once the UK has left the EU.
About novel foods
A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.
Before any new food product can be introduced on the European market it must be rigorously assessed for safety. In the UK, the assessment of novel foods is carried out by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), an independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA. In the case of this dossier it has been concluded by the Agency that a further assessment by EFSA is required.
Deadline for comments
Comments on this application are requested from the public to assist in informing the committee. Any comments on this application should be emailed to the ACNFP secretariat at acnfp@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk by Monday 15 August 2016. Any comments raised will be passed onto the Commission to consider as part of sending the application for future assessment by EFSA.
July 2016: Application from Nutrition 21 LLC for Inositol Stabilised Arginine Silicate to be approved for use in the European Union under Regulation (EC) 258/97 - under evaluation.