Safety of oil from Schizochytrium limacinum (strain FCC-3204) for use in infant and follow-on formula as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of Schizochytrium sp. oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Schizochytrium sp. is a single-cell microalga. The strain FCC- 3204, used by the applicant (Fermentalg), belongs to the species Schizochytrium limacinum. The NF, an oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is obtained from microalgae after enzymatic lysis. The applicant proposed to use the NF in infant formulae (IF) and follow-on formulae (FOF). The use level defined by the applicant was derived from Regulation (EU) 2016/127, which states the mandatory addition of DHA to IF and FOF at the level of 20-50 mg/100 kcal. The intake of DHA resulting from the use of the NF in IF and FOF is not expected to pose safety concerns. S. limacinum was attributed the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status with the qualification 'for production purposes only'. Data provided by the applicant demonstrated the absence of viable cells in the NF. No toxicological studies were performed with the NF. However, based on the available toxicological data on oils derived from Schizochytrium sp., the QPS status of the source of the NF, the production process, the composition of the NF and the absence of viable cells in the NF, the Panel considers there are no concerns with regard to toxicity of the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Keywords: Novel foods; Schizochytrium limacinum; alga; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); fatty acid; infants and young children; safety.