Tagatose Wins EU Approval

The European Union (EU) has approved tagatose as a novel food ingredient, opening up its use in a number of foods and beverages. The EU decision comes in the wake of tagatose approval in the United States, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

"The European market is a tremendous opportunity for tagatose," said Richard Levin, president and CEO, Spherix Inc., Beltsville , MD. "With news of increasing obesity rates around the world, tagatose will now open new opportunities for European food makers." Spherix owns the sweetener and has also sold the right to manufacture and distribute tagatose to Denmark-based Arla Foods.

The EU approval of tagatose doesn't restrict usage. However, depending on the use level, some products might require additional label information warning about potential laxative effects. Tagatose is classified as a fiber, and the body doesn't completely digest it.

Tagatose occurs naturally in some dairy products and has a chemical structure very similar to fructose. Its bulk is similar to table sugar, with a comparable sweetness. It has been GRAS in the United States since 2001 for use in food products, including confectionery items, breakfast cereals, chewing gum and soft drinks. In addition to providing sweetness, tagatose has a minimal impact on blood glucose and insulin levels and provides a prebiotic effect.