Safety of cellobiose 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 cellobiose as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF consists of two glucose monomers linked by a β-(1-4) glucosidic bond. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, and to food supplements aimed at the general population 3 years and older. The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF is sufficient and does not raise safety concerns. The applicant provided a subchronic toxicological study which did not raise safety concerns. The applicant provided a human dose-escalation study from which the Panel concludes that the consumption of 20 g per day of cellobiose (equivalent to 290 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day in a 70-kg adult) does not raise concern regarding gastrointestinal tolerability. The maximum anticipated daily intake of cellobiose from the proposed uses is below 290 mg/kg bw per day in the target population. Considering the nature, source, compositional characterisation, and production process of the NF, as well as the toxicological data provided, the Panel considers that the NF does not raise safety concerns under the proposed conditions of use.

Keywords: cellobiose; food supplement; novel foods.

Figure 1

Molecular structure of cellobiose

Figure 2

Enzymatic conversion of sucrose into glucose‐1 phosphate (G1P) and fructose; synthesis of cellobiose from G1P and glucose. SP: sucrose phosphorylase; CP: cellobiose phosphorylase

Figure 3

Manufacturing flow scheme for cellobiose. G‐1‐P: glucose‐1‐phosphate; CCP (critical control point): sifter with metal detection