BAKGRUNN (fra kommisjonsvedtaket, dansk utgave)

(1) While trehalose extracted from yeast was approved for use in foods (except for infant formulae and follow-on formulae) in 1991 in the United Kingdom, it still has to be considered as novel because significant amounts of trehalose have not been marketed subsequently in the United Kingdom or other Member States.

(2) In their initial assessment report the United Kingdom's competent food assessment body came to the conclusion that the trehalose as specified by JECFA at its 55th meeting is safe for human consumption within the range of foodstuffs detailed by the company.

(3) The Commission forwarded the initial assessment report to all Member States on 16 October 2000.

(4) Within the 60 day-period laid down in Article 6(4) of the Regulation, reasoned objections to the marketing of the product were nevertheless raised in accordance with that provision.

(5) At a meeting on 12 March 2001 Bioresco provided additional information responding to the comments and objections raised by Member States.

(6) On the basis of this additional information and the initial assessment report, it is established that trehalose complies with the criteria laid down in Article 3(1) of the Regulation.

(7) The use of trehalose in foods for particular uses is governed by specific requirements in Community law.