PectCof B.V.

Pectin of coffee fruit enters the American market due to achievement Self-Affirmed GRAS status

PectCof developed an ingredient from coffee fruit pulp biomass, a side stream from the coffee industry that was not being used. This ingredient, called Dutch Gum®, is rich of the dietary fibre pectin and can be used for several functions like an emulsifier and stabiliser in various food applications. To enter the North American food market, the new ingredient has to be ‘Generally Recognized As Safe’ (GRAS) for human consumption. This needs to be demonstrated by safety data in a GRAS dossier which is assessed by an independent Expert Panel. We have supported PectCof with compiling the Self-Affirmed GRAS dossier for this pectin-rich food ingredient from coffee fruit pulp, which enables PectCof to bring the product to the North American market.

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Impact areas

Novel food authorisation

Services

Duration

2023 - 2024

Coffee fruit pectin as a sustainable soluble fibre source

Due to the achievement of the Self-Affirmed GRAS status, a new sustainable soluble fiber source is available for the North American market. The coffee fruits used to produce Dutch Gum® are obtained from cultivated Coffea arabica coffee trees that are currently only used for green coffee bean production. After harvesting the fruit, coffee beans and coffee pulp are separated, valorising a considerable side stream from the coffee industry. CO2 emissions and environmental pollution are cut by recognizing coffee pulp as a valuable resource, while an additional revenue stream for coffee farmers is also created.

Advice for Self-Affirmed GRAS application

We supported PectCof with preparing the GRAS application by developing the filing strategy, performing intake assessments, searching for scientific literature, advising the set-up of laboratory studies and writing the application text. After submission we supported with providing additional information and answering questions of the Expert Panel.

Support for admission in North America

In February 2024 the Expert Panel decided that Dutch Gum® is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). With this Self-Affirmed GRAS status, PectCof can enter the North American market. The ingredient can be used in several food products such as dairy and meat substitutes, confectionary, gluten-free bakery, beverages, condiments and plant based protein products.

We also support PectCof with the authorisation procedure of Dutch Gum® as a Food Additive for the European Union market according to Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008.

Impact areas