Rooster comb extract close to novel food approval

Cockerel comb is the large fleshy red skin on top of the cockerel’s head, which is a traditional dish in some European countries.

The applicant, a Spanish company called Bioiberica, states that rooster combs extract (RCE) is rich in sodium hyaluronate (SH) at 60-80%, which it claims helps in lubricating and cushioning joints.

Bioiberica plans to add RCE to dairy foods, including milk-based fermented beverages, milks, yogurts and fromage frais, to help boost SH levels in the diet.

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.

The ACNFP has just released its draft opinion, which concluded that it did not have any significant safety concerns.

It said: “RCE, added to milk-based fermented beverages, yogurts, milks and fromage frais at the levels proposed by the applicant (80mg per day), is unlikely to present a health risk to consumers.”

The ACNFP assessment is based on safety and not on any possible health benefits. It said any claims relating to maintaining joint health may require approval under the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006).

Comments on the draft opinion are now being sought by the ACNFP, which will be considered by the committee before it finalises its opinion.

Source: ACNFP

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