Coagulated potato protein and -hydrolysates

AVEBE has compiled a file in which two novel food ingredients are described, coagulated potato protein and hydrolysates thereof. The applicant contends that the novel food ingredients are substantially equivalent to proteins in cooked potatoes and that they may therefore be introduced to the European market with notification. The file contains chemical analyses as well as nutritional, microbiological and toxicological information. The applicant describes the nutritional value of the novel food ingredients based on their composition.
Microbiological analyses show several micro-organisms originating from the soil that remains on the potatoes after harvesting. The applicant bases the toxicological safety of the novel food ingredients on the safety of cooked potatoes for the consumer. In describing the toxicological safety, the applicant pays particular attention to the naturally occurring toxins in potatoes, the glycoalkaloids.

The Committee finds the principle of substantial equivalence not applicable to the coagulated potato protein and the hydrolysates thereof. Accordingly, the application is regarded as an authorization request. The Committee is of the opinion that, their composition having been considered, the novel food ingredients are of a good quality. The micro-organisms which have been detected on the novel food ingredients give no cause for concern, given the stringent conditions under which the production process occurs.

The Committee believes that coagulated potato protein and the hydrolysates thereof are safe for consumption, provided that the novel food ingredients are not made available for direct consumption but are instead supplied to the food industry as a semi-processed product. The applicant must adequately inform the buyers about the sulphite level in the novel food ingredients so that the final product meet with the standards set for sulphite in the Commodities Act Decree on Food Additives. Furthermore, the Committee finds it advisable to incorporate the potato protein in the Commodities Act Decree on Protein Products.

Committee