New prebiotic ruled safe for baby food

The European Commission has ruled that the prebiotic oligofructose can now be used in European baby foods, while a Royal Society report has called for tightening of laws for new baby formulae.
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food has ruled that a mixture of oligofructose and galacto-oligosaccharides can now be added to food for infants younger than six months.
Oligofructose is already used in dairy products, including yogurt, to improve digestion and metabolism. It is also used in baby foods in Asia and Latin America.
Galacto-oligosaccharides are said to contain a nutrient that helps a child’s brain development in early months.
Meanwhile, the Royal Society study examined the effect of genetically modified ingredients. It says that although all current GM ingredients are fit for human consumption, all foods should undergo strict safety and nutritional checks.
The study recommends that EU laws are tightened if GM ingredients are used in infant formulae because because babies are vulnerable to changes in the nutritional content of their food.

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