EFSA Authorises Xylo-Oligosaccharides (XOS) as Novel Food Ingredient in EU

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a positive scientific opinion regarding the safety of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) as a novel food ingredient. This regulatory step facilitates the incorporation of XOS into a range of food and drink products within the European Union, including bakery items, dairy products, and fruit preparations. This decision aligns with Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, indicating that XOS has been deemed safe for human consumption under specified conditions of use. Such authorisation is a prerequisite for market entry in the EU for ingredients not widely consumed before May 1997. ## Market Implications for Prebiotic Ingredients The novel food status for XOS provides manufacturers with increased flexibility in product development. XOS is recognised for its prebiotic properties. The European approval enables formulators to integrate XOS into products, potentially expanding the range of functional foods and beverages available. The inclusion of XOS in categories such as bakery products, dairy, and fruit preparations suggests a broad spectrum of potential applications beyond traditional dietary supplements. This could support the development of functional food and beverage products designed to deliver prebiotic ingredients through everyday consumption items. ## Regulatory Landscape for Novel Foods This authorisation for XOS follows other recent regulatory activities within the novel food framework. For example, another prebiotic ingredient, Benicaros, derived from carrot pomace, also recently received a positive EFSA opinion regarding its safety as a novel food ingredient. These concurrent approvals indicate a continued focus by regulatory bodies on introducing new, scientifically assessed ingredients to the European food supply. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 governs the authorisation of foods and food ingredients not widely consumed in the EU before May 1997. A positive EFSA opinion is a mandatory step for such authorisation, confirming the ingredient's safety under proposed conditions of use. This structured process ensures that novel ingredients entering the market meet stringent safety standards, impacting both the food and supplement industries. Manufacturers considering the use of XOS in new formulations should consult the full EFSA opinion for specific details regarding authorised maximum levels of inclusion and any associated use conditions or labelling requirements to ensure full compliance.