Scientific opinion on novel food and the important contribution of Mérieux NutriSciences’ experts
Iron Hydroxide Adipate Tartrate (IHAT) is requested from Nemysis Limited for use as nutritional substance in food supplements, in agreement with Directive 2002/46/EC. IHAT is a well-absorbed ferritin mimetic, able to preserve the gut microbiome. Absorption studies and early nutritional trials in humans have shown that IHAT is efficiently absorbed and corrects markers of iron deficiency, without the burden of gastrointestinal side effects.
Mérieux NutriSciences scientific laboratories and regulatory departments have been involved in this challenging project performing the necessary tests for novel food authorization through:
- Particle size characterization
- Dissolution
- Toxicology evaluation
These studies, performed in agreement with EFSA guidelines have demonstrated safety of IHAT.
The experts go to the ESFA workshop
Following this great news, Maria Cristina Comelli and Federico Benetti have been invited as Novel Food experts during the EFSA’s “Online stakeholder workshop on SmallParticles and NanoParticlesin food” (31 March – 1 April 2022) where they will present their huge work:
- Maria Cristina Comelli – R&D, Director at Nemysis Limited, will held the speech on “IHAT (Iron Hydroxyde Adipate Tartrate): the first EFSA approved Novel Food in nanoparticulate form: lessons learned during the risk assessment procedures”.
- Federico Benetti – Executive Director at ECSIN LAB, part of Mérieux NutriSciences, will held the speech on “Physico-chemical characterization of novel foods: our testing lab facility experience”.
