FSA Seeks Views on Methylcellulose Used in Food

This announcement comes after the Swiss company Dow Wolff Cellulosics applied to the FSA for the approval to market methylcellulose. The company plans to include methylcellulose in ice cream, flavored milk drinks, cold desserts, smoothie-type drinks, yogurts and yogurt drinks.

According to company, methylcellulose functions as a dietary fiber to promote a sense of fullness or satiety.

Methylcellulose, which is produced from plant material, is approved as a food additive in the European Union as an emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener. In the UK, the assessment of novel foods is conducted by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, an independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA.

A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.