Feb
24,
2022
Feb 24, 2022
The EU Regulation (EU) 2022/196, authorizing the use of Lallemand’s Lalmin® vitamin D yeast in 22, consolidated, new food categories, has been published.
In May 2020, Lallemand submitted a novel food dossier to extend the range of food products in which Lalmin® vitamin D yeast is allowed. Previously it was permitted in baked products and food supplements. In April 2021, the company obtained a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the use of vitamin D yeast in these additional categories, including fermented milk or cream products and meat or dairy analogues.
A detailed food intake assessment including all food categories and intended population groups was provided by Lallemand. In its recently published regulation, the EU has acknowledged that the use of vitamin D yeast in this wide range of food categories is safe for all intended populations.
The 22 new categories include:
| Food category | Max. Vit. D2 |
| (µg/100g food) | |
| Dishes, incl. Ready to eat meals (excluding soups and salads) | 3.0 |
| Soups and salads | 5.0 |
| Fried or extruded cereal, seed or root-based products | 5.0 |
| Infant formula and follow-on formula as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 |
In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 |
| Processed cereal-based food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 |
| Processed fruit products | 1.5 |
| Processed vegetables | 2.0 |
| Bread and similar products | 5.0 |
| Breakfast cereals | 4.0 |
| Pasta, doughs and similar products | 5.0 |
| Other cereal based products | 3.0 |
| Spices, seasonings, condiments, sauce ingredients, dessert sauces/toppings |
10.0 |
| Protein products | 10.0 |
| Cheese | 2.0 |
| Dairy dessert and similar products | 2.0 |
| Fermented milk or fermented cream | 1.5 |
| Dairy powders and concentrates | 2.5 (after reconstitution) |
| Milk based products, whey and cream | 0.5 |
| Meat and dairy analogues | 2.5 |
| Total diet replacement for weight control as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 |
5.0 |
| Meal replacements for weight control | 5.0 |
| Foods for special medical purposes as defined in Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 |
In accordance with the particular nutritional requirements of the persons for whom the products are intended |
Lallemand has an active history with the EFSA and EU for vitamin D yeast and pioneered the use of vitamin D yeast as a novel food by obtaining the first such authorization in 2014.
Celia Martin, Global Regulatory Affairs Director for Lallemand Bio-Ingredients commented: “Our effort to expand the use of vitamin D yeast in food applications has been successful and we are happy to see that we are now able to provide it to the EU market in a wide variety of food products. Evidence from the scientific community continues to show that vitamin D levels in the EU population require supplementation. The community will now be able to obtain sufficient quantities in a variety of foods. Manufacturers looking for a non-animal, natural source of vitamin D2 can count on us. Our vitamin D yeast was the first vitamin D novel food approved in the EU and we’re proud to continue to invest in this increasingly important ingredient.”
Vitamin D is a key component of the immune system and modulates the immune response to protect against infections, including viral infections. There is clear scientific evidence that vitamin D levels are insufficient in the global population. While vitamin D is naturally produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight, levels produced are insufficient for health and the risks from excessive sun exposure outweigh the benefits.
An application dossier has also been submitted to the U.S. FDA with a petition to extend the use of Lalmin® vitamin D yeast in 18 food categories. Approval is expected in 2022.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Dhanraj, Technical Marketing Manager, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients
Email: kdhanraj@lallemand.com
About Lallemand Inc.
Lallemand is a family-owned business, headquartered in Canada, and focused on the development, production and marketing of yeasts, bacteria and enzymes solutions across the baking, food ingredients, human and animal nutrition and health, crop protection/nutrition, oenology, brewing, alcohol, and biofuel sectors. Lallemand is present in more than 50 countries, operates more than 47 production plants and has approximately 4,500 employees.
Feb. 17, 2022
