Assessment on the Change of Conditions of Use of the Novel Food, Partially Defatted Chia Seed (<i>Salvia Hispanica</i> L.) Powder With a High Fibre Content (RP2158)

Functional Products Trading Arica S.A./BENEXIA, Chile (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of the change in the conditions of use of partially defatted chia seed powder with a high fibre content as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in December 2023. The novel food is manufactured by cold press extraction of chia seeds to partially remove the seed oil. The pressed chia seeds are then ground into a powder with a particle size ≤ 400 µm and a fibre content ≥ 50%. Partially defatted chia seed powder with a high fibre content is currently authorised as a novel food in the UK and EU under assimilated Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. This new application is for a change in the conditions of use seeking to extend the intended use of defatted chia seed powder with a high fibre content within the food categories: fine bakery wares; processed fruit and vegetables; bread; pasta; and protein products. The assessment is limited to food products within these additional food categories which are subject to thermal processing and have a high moisture content. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in April 2023. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that partially defatted chia seed powder with a high fibre content is safe under the intended changes in the conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and intended use in food were not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.