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A revolutionary new sweetener from Cerestar has been given the stamp of approval by the Joint WHO/FAO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
A meeting of this international body of food experts decided that erythritol – developed by Cerestar and currently being promoted in the US, where it already has GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status – is not measurably toxic and represents no hazard to health. The committee awarded the sweetener 'ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) not specified' status. This is the highest safety that JEFCA can give to any food additive.
Recognition of erythritol's safety by JECFA further supports its GRAS status, and will facilitate its approval for food use in other countries, where there is already widespread interest from food manufacturers.
Erythritol's extensive safety database raises no toxicological concerns. A key element of the safety profile is the fact that erythritol's gastrointestinal tolerance is very high compared to all other polyols. Its unique properties mean that although it is not metabolised when eaten – making its caloric value close to zero - it is easily digested, does not cause dental caries, and does not raise blood sugar levels.
In addition to its nutritional and health benefits, erythritol offers functional advantages to food manufacturers. It can act as a flavour enhancer, bulking agent, stabiliser and thickener, improving the sensorial qualities of foods and beverages and making a much wider variety of reduced calorie, toothfriendly products possible.
Already on sale in Japan, where it is used in more than 100 food and beverage products such as chewing gum, low calorie beverages, jam, cookies, chocolate and tabletop sweeteners, erythritol is also available in the US. Approval in the EU is still pending.
For more information about erythritol, call Cerestar USA on (+1) 219 659 2000 or Cerestar Japan on +81 (0)3 3664-7321 or visit our Web site on www.cerestar.com.
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