Thaumatin

In the current application authorisation is sought under articles 4(1) (new use in water) and 10(2) (re-evaluation of additives already authorised under Directive 70/524/EC) for Thaumatin under the category "sensory additives", functional group 2(b) "flavouring compounds", according to the classification system of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. 

Thaumatin belongs to the Chemically Defined Flavourings 30 (Miscellaneous substances), according to the Annex I of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. Authorisation is sought for the use of Thaumatin for all species and categories. 

According to the Commission Directive 2008/60/EC preparations containing Thaumatin should have a minimum nitrogen content of 15% related to dry mass, equivalent to a minimum content of 93% protein.

The feed additive is intended to be incorporated only into feedingstuffs or drinking water, in combination with other flavouring substances as constituents of flavouring mixtures. The Applicant suggested no minimum or maximum levels for Thaumatin, but normal contents of the flavouring compound in feedingstuffs range up to from 0.1 to 100 mg/kg. 

For the identification of Thaumatin in the feed additive, the Applicant proposed the internationally recognised FAO JECFA monograph for Thaumatin in food additives. For the determination of the Thaumatin nitrogen content in the feed additive, the Applicant submitted the Kjeldhal method, described in the above mention JECFA monograph. Even though no performance characteristics are provided, the EURL recommends for official control the JECFA monograph based on the Kjeldhal method, for the quantification of the Thaumatin nitrogen content in the feed additive.

As no experimental data were provided by the Applicant for the determination of the product in feedingstuffs and water, the EURL could not evaluate nor recommend the method for official control to determine Thaumatin in feedingstuffs and water.

Further testing or validation of the methods to be performed through the consortium of National Reference Laboratories as specified by Article 10 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005) is not considered necessary.

Recommended Method

as of:

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/750

Identification of the thaumatin in the feed additive: 

• Nitrogen content in the food additive Kjeldahl method (JECFA Monograph on Thaumatin. 2006. Thaumatin. Specification Monograph)