Open AccessSafety of chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica L.) powders, as novel foods, pursuant to Regulation ( EU ) 2015/2283
Author(s) -
Turck Dominique,
Castenmiller Jacqueline,
de Henauw Stefaan,
HirschErnst Karen Ildico,
Kearney John,
Maciuk Alexandre,
Mangelsdorf Inge,
McArdle Harry J,
Naska Androniki,
Pelaez Carmen,
Pentieva Kristina,
Siani Alfonso,
Thies Frank,
Tsabouri Sophia,
Vinceti Marco,
Cubadda Francesco,
Engel KarlHeinz,
Frenzel Thomas,
Hein Marina,
Marchelli Rosangela,
NeuhäuserBerthold Monika,
Pöting Annette,
Poulsen Morten,
Sanz Yolanda,
Schlatter Josef Rudolf,
Loveren Henk,
Matijević Leonard,
Katrine Knutsen Helle
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5716
Subject(s) - european commission , food science , population , food safety , microbiology and biotechnology , business , european union , food industry , composition (language) , biology , agricultural science , medicine , environmental health , linguistics , economic policy , philosophy
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 chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica L.) powders as novel foods ( NF s) pursuant to Regulation ( EU ) 2015/2283. The NF s are partially defatted chia seed powders, obtained by extrusion of whole seeds of S. hispanica L. with the main differences between two powders in particle sizes and the content of some macronutrients. The information provided on the production processes, composition, batch‐to‐batch variability, stability and specifications of the NF s is sufficient and does not raise safety concerns. The applicant proposed to market the NF s as food supplements and as ingredients in a variety of foods. The target population for the NF s is the general population. Noting that no hazard raising safety concerns (except for allergenicity) could be identified from the information available on the source (i.e. chia seeds), the production processes, composition, specifications and proposed uses of the NF s, irrespectively of the maximum use levels at the proposed uses, the Panel considers that intake estimates and additional toxicological data for the NF s are not needed for this assessment. The Panel concludes that the NF s, partially defatted powders of whole chia seeds, are safe under the assessed conditions of use.