Call for submissions on an alternative source of DHA for infant formula

00:51' 02-11-2016

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on an alternative source of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for use in infant formula products.

Photo: generationveggie.org

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the Applicant, DSM Nutritional Products, is seeking approval of an alternative DHA oil derived from Schizochytrium sp. (DHA-B) to be added to infant formula products at levels consistent with other DHA oils already approved in the Food Standards Code.

“Several DHA oils, which are omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, are already permitted as an optional ingredient in infant formula products. The composition of oil derived from Schizochytrium sp. is comparable to other approved novel sources of DHA,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“FSANZ’s risk assessment found no health or safety concerns regarding the use of DHA-B oil as an alternative to other approved sources of DHA in infant formula products at the levels proposed.”

All FSANZ decisions on applications are notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can decide to ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.

The closing date for submissions is 13 December 2016.