The use of erythritol in beverages at a proposed level of 2.5 per cent could cause a safety concern for small children, according to the EU's Safety Commission. The margin between estimated daily intake and the no-observed-adverse-effects-level (NOAEL) is too small. Erythritol has not been approved for use in beverages as the opinion stated that the laxative threshold may be exceeded. Erythritol does have a higher laxative threshold than other polyols.
It is already permitted for use in beverages in the United States at up to 3.5 per cent, and in Australia and Japan in unlimited percentages (within the context of good manufacturing practices). However the new opinion was based on data from a new pediatric study, in which a greater incidence of diarrhea or gastrointestinal symptoms at the 25g dose level.
Steve - as we reported in this month's Brand Buzz Video, the amount of erythritol being put into foods, this could become a significant issue.
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