Israel-based Gadot Biochemical Industries has recently completed the development of a manufacturing process to make grades of Tri Potassium Citrate (TPC) and Tri Sodium Citrate (TSC) that enable its customers to meet the stringent requirement for chlorate content in infant food in accordance with regulation (EC) No.396/2005.
In its scientific opinion, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found current levels of chlorate in drinking water and in foods were too high and could negatively impact iodine uptake especially among infants and children. Chlorate originates from chlorine disinfectants widely and legally used in water treatment and food processing, drinking water being by far the main contributor.
Evaluating data on the occurrence of chlorate in food, EFSA opined that the repeated intake of chlorate among the younger population groups with a slight to moderate iodine insufficiency gives cause for concern. “Repeated exposure to chlorate can result in iodine intake inhibition in humans,” said Ohad Cohen chief executive officer of Gadot Biochemical Industries. “This inhibition can cause temporary changes to thyroid hormone levels in high-risk groups. The inhibition of iodine intake through chlorate is reversible.”
A July 2020 market report, “Global Baby Foods and Infant Formula Industry” available from Report Linker, assessed this market to grow by $22.7 billion, with a CAGR of 5.4% to reach $55.7 billion by 2025. Infant formulas will witness significant global growth.
Gadot can now provide the market with enough quantities of TPC and TSC for use in infant foods, according to Cohen. “It is our belief that our manufacturing process will contribute to safer and healthier infant nutrition globally and encourage infant food producers based in the EU to follow this regulation,” he commented.
