The approval is for a higher grade of krill than a previous novel foods authorisation granted by EU authorities in 2010 for Enzymotec's Friend of the Sea-certified krill which is sourced like all krill from Antarctic fisheries.
“The EU’s Novel Food approval process is very strict and challenging,” said Dr Ariel Katz, Enzymotec president and chief executive officer.
“Enzymotec invested great effort in this filing, and we are pleased that, following very positive reviews from the EU member states, the Novel Food board has voted to approve our innovative krill oil ingredient.”
The ingredient has access to EU approved omega-3 claims including:
- ‘Contributes to the normal function of the heart’
- ‘Contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function’
- ‘Contributes to the maintenance of normal vision'
The approval applies to the following food categories:
- Bakery products (breads, bread rolls) including sweet biscuits
- Breakfast cereals
- Nutrition bars (muesli, cereal bars)
- Cooking fats
- Dairy products except milk-based drinks (including yoghurts, unripened cheese/fromage frais)
- Dairy analogues except drinks
- Cheeses and cheese analogues
- Non-alcoholic beverages, including milk-based drinks
- Spreadable fats and dressings
- Food supplements (general population and products intended for pregnant and lactating women)
- Dietary foods for special medicinal purposes
- Food intended for use in energy restricted diets for weight restriction
- Other foods for particular nutritional uses excluding infant and follow-on formula
Europe's novel foods regulation was introduced in 1997 and requires any food or ingredient not commonly consumed in the EU prior to May 1997 to undergo safety assessment before it can be sold across the EU's 28-member bloc.