Sternchemie has received a Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) “letter of no objection” from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its range of sunflower lecithins. 

The recognition provides certainty and transparency for food manufacturers. With this determination, the FDA confirms that sunflower lecithin from Sternchemie, whether liquid, de-oiled or hydrolyzed, can safely be used in a wide variety of food products. 

GRAS notification is essential for all manufacturers who want to produce in or export to the North American market. 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Dr. Roland Rabeler, Business Development at Sternchemie, says, “Sunflower lecithin is an integral part of the corresponding food ingredient regulation in Europe. Our sunflower lecithin solutions have been successfully deployed for years to optimize recipes, simplify labels and ban allergens.”

“Still, we perceived some hesitance, especially from those customers exporting to North America or multinationals that seek global alignment of ingredient usage. With the GRAS notification, we aim to provide them with clarity and regulatory safety.”

Additives can be used without such assessment, but only on the manufacturer’s responsibility. 

“GRAS notification provides regulatory certainty for our customers and the basis for introducing alternatives to soy lecithin and artificial emulsifiers to the market,” notes Carsten Granso, Sternchemie business unit director.

A versatile ingredient
As an emulsifier and surface-active ingredient, sunflower lecithin can be used in many different foods, from chocolate to baked goods, from ready meals to instant products and beverages. 

Sunflower lecithin is also well suited to the booming plant-based segment, with its various meat and dairy substitute products. 

“We see great potential, especially in the growing segment of health and nutrition products, like meal substitutes, protein shakes and the like. With GRAS notification, we give our customers another tool for making declaration-friendly products, with attributes that are more and more in demand by consumers,” explains Granso.

Lecithin has proven its value in the food industry for decades as an emulsifier, dispersant and separating agent. 

Allergen-free
“Our sunflower lecithin range expands the toolbox with a non-GMO option that does not have to be declared as a major food allergen in the US,” adds Rabeler.

As a natural product, lecithin has a positive image with consumers. Sunflower lecithin also has another key advantage – unlike soy, sunflower is not classified as a food allergen and needs not be declared on the ingredients list.

This is a significant plus for making clean label products. Dr. Waldemar Buxmann, director of applications and technical product management at Sternchemie, says manufacturers increasingly want to create products with simple ingredients that they know and trust. 

“Lecithin is a good example of such an ingredient. With our expanded range of sunflower lecithin products, our customers can successfully remove artificial emulsifiers and allergens like soy from their ingredient lists.”

Sourcing and supply
Sternchemie is continuously optimizing its sourcing capabilities – with global reach and intensive testing and qualification procedures. 

“Simultaneously, we are working on alternative sources, such as canola lecithin, and further optimization of our products. Be it functional demanding or very sensitive applications such as infant products; we aim at providing the right lecithin solution to deliver on the job,” Rabeler explains. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic certainly has shaken up global supply chains. And it has reinforced our understanding that you require focus and flexibility in all areas to achieve this.”

Calls for greater transparency 
In February, FoodIngredientsFirst reported that Sternchemie addressed the growing demand for transparency and higher quality expectations among consumers for lecithin solutions. 

Innova Market Insights crowned “Transparency Triumphs” as its Top Trend of 2021. More than ever, consumers want to know what ingredients are in their food and wher they come from, notes the market researcher. 

Accordingly, in addition to ethical and ecological considerations, clean label continues to play a central role. The trend for more sustainable, healthier lifestyles is raising consumer expectations on food and beverages.