January 16, 2007

Lallemand's Alkosel receives positive EFSA opinion
 

Press release
 

Lallemand recently announced that Alkosel (a source of organic selenium based on a specific yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae - NCYC R397 - ) has received a favorable opinion for use in all animal species from the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed. EFSA's opinion was based on a thorough examination of the safety and efficacy of Alkosel.

Alkosel production and quality control is performed in Lallemand's specialised yeast plants, where selenium-enriched yeast is also produced as a food supplement for human nutrition. The company's continuous investment in quality management systems, together with the search for optimal measurement methods for organic selenium, guarantee Lallemand's customers the quality as well as safety of this premium grade organic source of selenium for use in all animal species.

Bernadette Okeke, Lallemand's regulatory affairs manager, explained, "Now that EFSA evaluation is successfully completed with a favourable opinion, it remains for a vote by member states to take place for the authorising regulation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Community. Following the actual opinion which was announced on Dec 5, 2006, the Commission has up to 90 days to propose the draft regulation to the standing committee for the vote."

Olivier Clech, Lallemand's general manager, commented, "Lallemand's policy to back up its product development with the most up-to-date as well as fundamental scientific research and development continues to bear real and tangible value for our customers. Earlier this month, we announced the adoption by the Canadian National Research Council of a certified reference material for the analysis of organic selenium yeast based on our Alkosel. These latest developments are very good news indeed for our customers not only in Europe but also worldwide."