New entry to omega-3 market?
could be approved for use in foods in the UK if it passes novel
foods assessment.
A new source of omega-3 fatty acids, from a South American plant, could be approved for use in foods in the UK if it passes novel foods assessment by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) .
The application from Irish firm R Craig & Sons Ltd is for whole and ground Chia seed, intended to be added to bread. Chia (Salvia hispanica L) is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family. Its seeds provide a source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid.
Alpha-linolenic acid is important for immunity, vision, cell membranes, and the production of hormone-like compounds. The fatty acid has been implicated in reduced blood clotting and decreasing inflammatory processes in the body. Found in fish, it is widely recommended that people consume omega-3s to lower their risk for heart attacks.
Historically, Chia seeds have been eaten in South America, but they have not been consumed to a significant degree in Europe, according to FSA. Chia was a major food crop of the Aztecs and was grown in mountainous areas extending from west Central Mexico to Northern Guatemala. It is currently grown in Argentina and Peru but cannot be cultivated in Europe as it needs sub-tropical conditions to grow.
Before Chia seeds are introduced on the European market, they must be assessed under European regulations for novel foods and novel food ingredients. An initial discussion of this application by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) will take place on 16 July. Comments on the application should be sent to the ACNFP Secretariat by 25 July 2003 and will be passed to the Committee before it finalises its opinion on this novel food.
Some bread on sale in the UK is already fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, such as Warburton's 'Good Health Loaf for Women' designed to reduce post-natal depression.
