Safety of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is a powdered mixture mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) LNT, but it also contains d-lactose, lacto-N-triose II and para-lacto-N-hexaose, and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation with two genetically modified strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), the production strain and the optional degradation strain. The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant and follow-on formula, food for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes and food supplements. The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of LNT from the NF at the maximum proposed use levels does not exceed the intake level of naturally occurring LNT in breastfed infants on a body weight basis. The intake of LNT in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate-type compounds structurally related to LNT is also considered of no safety concern. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added LNT or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.