Safety Assessment on Krill Protein Hydrolysate Used as an Alternative Source of Protein in Food Supplements and Functional Protein Food and Drinks (RP1290)

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland in September 2021 from Aker BioMarine (“the applicant”) for the authorisation of Krill Protein Hydrolysate, as a novel food. The novel food is a partially hydrolysed protein isolate derived from Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba ) and is composed of no less than 85% protein on an as-is basis and ≥90% protein on a dry matter basis. Krill protein hydrolysate is intended for use as an alternative source of protein in food supplements as defined in the Food Supplements (England, Scotland and Wales) Regulations 2003 for the general population, excluding infants, young children (toddlers) aged up to 3 years and pregnant or lactating women. The novel food is also intended to be used within other food categories such as formulations of functional protein foods and drinks, including bakery wares, isotonic sport drinks and single meal replacements. To support the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standard Scotland (FSS) in evaluating the dossier, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) was asked to review the dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The Committee did not consider any potential health benefits or claims arising from the consumption of the novel food, as the sole focus of the assessment is to ensure the food is safe and is not putting consumers at a nutritional disadvantage. The Committee concluded that the applicant had provided sufficient information to assure that the novel food, Krill Protein Hydrolysate, was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and the proposed uses of the novel food were not nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.