The Danish press this week covered a heated debate about a fat replacer, called Salatrim, from Danish ingredients company Danisco. The Danish Consumer Council has stated that excessive use of the product can cause "gastro-intestinal problems and stomach trouble".
In response to this assertion, Danisco vice president Torben Svejgaard commented in a statement this week: "Unfortunately, the recent debate may have given people the impression that the product is unhealthy for consumers.
"Therefore, it is important for Danisco to emphasise that Salatrim is a constructive alternative to fat in the diet. Fat is important in that it provides food with a good taste. At the same time, fat can be a primary cause of an excessively high calorie intake for many consumers.
Salatrim offers food processors a safe and effective way of improving the nutritional profile of foods without compromising taste."
Danisco further emphasised that, ike all other ingredients, Salatrim has been comprehensively tested by competent and independent scientists. Two groups involved in testing the product are the British Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and the European Union's Scientific Committee for Foods. The tests showed that there was no traceable discomfort at an intake of 30 grams. The projected average consumption of Salatrim, according to Danisco, is much below this level.
"In theory, an abnormally high consumption of any given product will produce a reaction. Everyone knows that you will get a stomach ache if you eat too many cherries or drink too much coffee. And the same thing applies for Salatrim - consumption is meant to be in moderate amounts," said Svejgaard.
Comments in the Danish press have suggested that the product is supposed to be particularly harmful to children. Danisco defends its position by stating that for ethical reasons, clinical experiments are not conducted on children, and that there is no reason for claiming that Salatrim can produce harmful effects on children.
Svejgaard stressed that Danisco is anticipating approval from the EU in the near future. This will allow the imminent launch of the product in Europe.