Safety of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 3-FL, but it also contains d-lactose, l-fucose, 3-fucosyllactulose and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain ( Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 MDO MAP1834) of E. coli K-12 DH1 (DSM 4235). The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of 3-FL from both proposed and combined (authorised and proposed) uses at their respective maximum use levels in all population categories does not exceed the highest intake level of 3-FL from human milk in infants on a body weight basis. The intake of 3-FL in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate-type compounds structurally related to 3-FL is also considered of no safety concern. FS are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3-FL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.