Arla Foods Ingredients’ novel food application for its BLG (Beta-lactoglobulin) ingredient, Lacprodan BLG-100, has received a positive EFSA opinion, the company has announced.
The European Food Safety Authority has published its opinion that the ingredient is safe and suitable for use in food products in the EU. It has submitted its findings to the European Commission, which is expected to grant final authorisation later in the year.
When this process is complete, the ingredient will be able to be used in categories including sports nutrition,health foods, and foods for special medical purposes.
Lacprodan BLG-100 contains 45% more leucine than commercially available whey protein isolates, the company says. This, coupled with its palatability, makes it suitable for medical nutrition applications to minimise the loss of muscle mass and maintain mobility.
The ingredient also reportedly provides 26% more essential amino acids and 40% more branched-chain amino acids than commercially available whey protein. This creates opportunities in sports nutrition applications, the company claims, such as clear ready-to-drink beverages and powder shakes.
Niels Østergaard, VP, Innovation at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “BLG is unique – in fact it’s basically a whole new protein category. Its combination of purity, amazing nutritional quality and appealing taste will create a world of new opportunities in medical and sports nutrition. We’re delighted by this decision, and proud to have led the way in the development of a game-changing new ingredient.”
