Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) initiated a public consultation regarding the potential inclusion of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) produced by Advanced Protein Technologies (AP Tech) in infant formulas. 2’-FL, a sugar found in breast milk, is claimed to offer health benefits to infants. The consultation was aimed at evaluating the safety and viability of utilizing 2’-FL derived from a genetically modified bacteria strain, Corynebacterium glutamicum, which is not currently listed in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. If approved, manufacturers will have access to another source of 2’-FL, potentially diversifying their product offerings and providing more options for parents and caregivers when selecting infant formulas, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Mohini Gupta, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In considering the introduction of 2’-FL produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum into infant formulas, the approval would introduce a new source of this human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) ingredient into the market, stimulating competition among infant formula manufacturers and potentially leading to improvements in product quality, pricing, and innovation. Additionally, infant formula manufacturers might start incorporating 2’-FL from Corynebacterium glutamicum into their formulations alongside other approved sources of 2’-FL, such as those produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 production strain. This would expand the range of choices available to consumers, allowing them to select products with different HMO compositions.”

Mohini continues: “FSANZ has already approved the use of 2’-FL made from different bacteria in baby formulas. However, the organization remains committed to thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the proposal, including potential health implications and consumer confidence. AP Tech has garnered approvals in eight countries, with endorsements spanning the US, Europe, and South Korea. It is also seeking approvals in other key markets, including China and Japan. Approval of AP Tech’s 2’-FL in Australia and New Zealand could open opportunities for international trade.”

Mohini concludes: “FSANZ’s invitation for public feedback underscores the commitment to ensure the safety and nutritional adequacy of infant formulas. While the introduction of 2’-FL from Corynebacterium glutamicum holds promise in enhancing the nutritional composition of infant formulas, rigorous evaluation, and stakeholder engagement are imperative to address safety, efficacy, and consumer acceptance concerns.”