Jungbunzlauer welcomes EFSA erythritol opinion

no-sugar-7762260Jungbunzlauer has joined Cargill in welcoming the positive opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the use of erythritol in beverages in the European Union.

 

In the EU, erythritol has been allowed quantum satis in food already since 2006, but not in beverages due to previous EFSA concerns about laxative effects in this sensitive category.

 

Jungbunzlauer said that it greatly appreciates the revised EFSA statement, noting it as an important milestone and pre-requisite for an extension of erythritol usage into the beverages category in Europe.

 

After many years of discussions of scientific studies looking to achieve a positive opinion, EFSA finally concluded on new data filed that erythritol, at a maximum usage level of 1.6% in non-alcoholic beverages, is safe for the consumer and without adverse effects, including laxation.

 

The European Commission may now initiate the legislative process in order to allow erythritol for the formulation of sugar reduced non-alcoholic beverages. Best case, this approval could yet come during 2015, Jungbunzlauer said, and will finally give the European consumer access to a new generation of healthy and great tasting beverages as is already the case in markets like the USA and Japan.

 

Erylite  – Jungbunzlauer’s brand of erythritol – is a bulk sweetener with zero calories (EU) and a sugar-like taste profile and appearance.  Erylite is manufactured by Jungbunzlauer through yeast fermentation in its plant in Marckolsheim, France. The production process and the raw materials used (non-GMO carbohydrates) qualify  Erylite to be the first and only natural polyol in the market, according to the company. It also occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods, including many fruits and mushrooms, as well as in fermented foods such as cheese, wine and beer.

 

Erylite is claimed to have the highest digestive tolerance of all polyols. It displays a zero glycaemic index, is suitable for diabetics and fits the trend for natural low-calorie products and a healthy life style.