Monterey Mushrooms gets EU approval for vitamin D-rich mushroom powder

16 Jun 2022

Monterey Mushrooms’ vitamin D-rich mushroom powder, produced using ultraviolet (UV) to boost the nutrient content, can be sold in the EU, following novel food approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Monterey Mushrooms, a California-based mushroom producer, has successfully received novel food approval from EFSA for its vitamin D mushroom powder, in line with Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Monterey Mushrooms gets EU approval for vitamin D-rich mushroom powder
Agaricus bisporus mushrooms

Using UV light to create vitamin D-rich mushrooms

The product, branded Just Mushrooms, is a whole-food, vegan-friendly powder containing high levels of vitamin D. Created from US-grown and processed dehydrated mushrooms, the powder is available in a range of vitamin D levels, ranging from 125–375 µg/g.

Through a collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Monterey has developed a method of specially devised proprietary ‘sunlight’, which uses ultraviolet rays on Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, to replicate the vitamin D-rich sunlight that mushrooms require to grow, in an indoor environment. The UV light induces the conversion of provitamin D2 (ergosterol) to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

This eliminates the need for additives, supplements, or chemicals often used during traditional mushroom production processes, all the while creating mushrooms which are high in vitamin D.

EFSA approved specifications of use

Following the EFSA approval, the mushroom powder can be used as an ingredient in a variety of foods and beverages in amounts that result in either 1.125 or 2.25 µg of vitamin D2 per 100 g or 100 ml of the food as consumed, EFSA confirmed in its scientific opinion.

Additionally, EFSA approved the ingredient for foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) and meal replacement for weight control. According to the EFSA analysis, the maximum intended use level in FSMPs is 15 µg vitamin D2 per day and 5 µg vitamin D2 per meal, for products of this use intended for adult consumption.

Conversely, for infants (aged 7 – 11 months) and for children (aged over 1 year), a maximum of 10 µg vitamin D2 per day and of 15 µg vitamin D2 per day was authorised as per the approval.

Despite confirming the safe use of the ingredient in line with the above stated conditions of use, the Panel raised caution around the calculated combined exposure of vitamin D for the general population, in light of the recent growth in and popularity of vitamin D-fortified foods available on the market.

Consumers are looking to increase their vitamin D intake

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining good human health, yet studies show that more than one in four (42%) Americans do not have an adequate amount of it in their diets. Deficiency of vitamin D can have serious implications on health, including an increased risk of developing certain forms of cancer and diabetes, in addition to bone and muscular health problems such as arthritis and muscular sclerosis.

Over recent years, consumers across the globe have become more health conscious and are increasingly seeking ways to improve the nutritional value of their diets.

Given the clear health implications of vitamin D deficiency, the demand for supplements and products which allow consumers to add higher levels of concentrated vitamin D into their diet is on the rise. Between 2020 – 2021, vitamin D usage amongst US consumers grew from 42% – 52%, potentially as a result of studies highlighting the links between vitamin D intake and the effects of Covid-19.

Related news

Chinese food brand wants to give customers ‘the full experience’

Chinese food brand wants to give customers ‘the full experience’

16 Dec 2022

Food brand Xiao Chi Jie is revamping Chinese cuisine for the modern American consumer. The Washington-based company sells regional Chinese specialties like soup dumplings, noodle kits, and barbeque skewers direct-to-consumer in the US.

Read more 
Regulations spur healthy snacking in Europe

Regulations spur healthy snacking in Europe

15 Dec 2022

Healthy snack demand is on an upward trajectory in Europe, fuelled by products attaching health halos to their products, according to latest figures by Euromonitor – but regulations may be the real driver.

Read more 
Could the EU-Mercosur trade deal be revived?

Could the EU-Mercosur trade deal be revived?

14 Dec 2022

The re-election of Luiz Inácio da Silva, or Lula, as president of Brazil has prompted speculation that the free-trade agreement between the EU and South American Mercosur bloc could be revived – but the European farming sector has concerns.

Read more 
Could menopause-supporting products be the next big opportunity?

Could menopause-supporting products be the next big opportunity?

13 Dec 2022

As supplement brands launch products to relieve the symptoms of menopausal women such as nutraceutical gummies, the unmet needs of this group is attracting government attention in the UK.

Read more 
Plant-based fish and seafood launches around the world

Plant-based fish and seafood launches around the world

12 Dec 2022

From pea protein-based prawns to microalgae-based tuna alternatives, plant-based alternatives to fish and seafood are on the rise around the world.

Read more 
Editors’ choice: Our roundup of the most innovative sweets, snacks and bakery products

Editors’ choice: Our roundup of the most innovative sweets, snacks and bakery products

9 Dec 2022

The sweets, snacks, and bakery categories are an exciting area, full of fresh and innovative products which are constantly adding meaningful value to the sector.

Read more 
Functional food in Japan centres on health and proving claims

Functional food in Japan centres on health and proving claims

8 Dec 2022

The latest Japanese functional food and drink trends put health and product efficacy firmly on the production agenda for new releases.

Read more 
Swedish food agency: One in 10 coffee brands contain excess acrylamide

Swedish food agency: One in 10 coffee brands contain excess acrylamide

7 Dec 2022

New findings from the Swedish Food Agency have revealed three of 29 coffee products sampled contained acrylamide above limits, reinforcing the link between levels and degree of roasting.

Read more 
‘Super nut’? Indonesia’s ‘best kept secret’ wins EU novel food approval

‘Super nut’? Indonesia’s ‘best kept secret’ wins EU novel food approval

6 Dec 2022

A previously obscure, nutrient-rich Indonesian nut is set to hit European shelves after winning EU novel foods approval that could also help protect under-threat kenari forests on the archipelago.

Read more 
Philippines to restrict trans fats in processed foods

Philippines to restrict trans fats in processed foods

5 Dec 2022

Use of artificial trans fats in pre-packed processed foods will be restricted in the Philippines as the country looks to eliminate its consumption from other sources too.

Read more