Palatinose Gains Novel Food Approval in Australia and New Zealand

08/08/07 Palatinit GmbH can now market the functional carbohydrate Palatinose (Isomaltulose) in both Australia and New Zealand for general use in foods and beverages. The company’s application for novel food status of the low glycemic carbohydrate Isomaltulose has been officially approved with effect from the 2nd of August 2007.

Official recognition of Isomaltulose (Palatinose) as a novel food has been granted on the basis of a detailed dossier on its safety and use submitted by Palatinit in April 2006 to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The new approval enables manufacturers to use Palatinose in beverages and foods in general, in line with the Food Standards Code.

The disaccharide Isomaltulose (Palatinose) is derived from pure beet sugar and also occurs as a natural constituent in honey and sugar cane. It is the only low glycemic carbohydrate to supply energy in the form of glucose over a prolonged period of time. The product is therefore ideally suited for use in sports and wellness drinks, as well as in a wide range of other food products such as liquid meals, energy and cereal bars, or dairy products. The white crystalline powder has the same calorific value as sugar and a sugarlike sweetness profile, yet is toothfriendly. Moreover, according to recent studies, Palatinose appears to promote fat burning, in contrast to high glycemic carbohydrates.

Palatinose is an approved food in many Asian countries. In Europe Palatinose gained EU novel food approval in July 2005. In March 2006 the GRAS status of Palatinose was confirmed when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the ‘letter of no objection’ to Palatinit. In Japan, Isomaltulose has been used in foods and beverages since 1985 and is included in the FOSHU Regulation (Food for Specific Health Use).