Australia accepts vitamin preparation alternative
of medium chain triglycerides for the production of vitamins in
infant formula, an allergen-free alternative to commonly used
vegetable oils.
DSM Nutritional Products applied to FSANZ for permission to use the MCTs so that manufacturers could allay the growing concerns of consumers over allergens.
The triglycerides are already allowed in infant formula and follow-on formula as natural constituents of dairy ingredients, or in other specifically formulated infant formula products for special dietary use.
But MCTs also play a role in the micro-encapsulation process of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D and E and act as a stabiliser as well as ensuring the production of appropriate particle size of the lipophilic phase, said the assessment.
DSM says they provide an alternative to other oils such as partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which may be a cause for concern to consumers with allergies to soy products or those wishing to avoid genetically modified sources of oils.
In a draft assessment published on Friday, FSANZ judged the ingredient to be safe. The MCT micronutrient preparation also complies with European Pharmacopoeia purity standards.
Views from the public on FSANZ's draft assessment are being accepted until 3 May.
