EFSA Clears CLA Use in Food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said that fat reduction ingredient conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is safe to use in food.

The authority issued positive safety opinions on CLA ingredients used by Cognis and Lipid Nutrition, which produce the body fat-reducing supplements Tonalin and Clarinol, respectively.

The EFSA said the ingredients are safe at proposed doses for up to six months.

The federal agency could not establish a safety period for the ingredient longer than six months, or for consumption by people with type-2 diabetes.

During the next approval process, the European Commission will present a draft decision to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, which will make a final assessment on the application.

CLA is a fatty acid naturally present in ruminant meat and dairy products and has been linked to the reduction of body fat and the increase of lean muscle.