Safety of 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL) sodium salt produced by a derivative strain (Escherichia coli NEO6) of E. coli W (ATCC 9637) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL) sodium salt as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 6′-SL (sodium salt), but it also contains sialic acid, d-glucose, d-lactose, 6′-sialyllactulose sodium salt, 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL) sodium salt and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain (Escherichia coli NEO6) of E. coli W (ATCC 9637). The information provided on the identity, manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The applicant applies for the same uses and use levels already assessed for 6′-SL sodium salt produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain of E. coli K-12 DH1. Therefore, since the NF would be consumed at the same extent as the already assessed 6′-SL sodium salt, no new estimates of the intake have been carried out. Similarly, FS are not intended to be used if other foods with added 6′-SL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.