Novel track for canola protein

Burcon Nutrascience is preparing to make a Novel Food application to gain regulatory approval to use its canola proteins Puratein and Supertein in Europe.

Burcon, which specialises in oilseed protein extraction and purification technology, is working with partner ADM to commercialise canola protein to compete with soy, dairy and egg proteins in prepared foods and nutritional supplements.

Toxicology studies were underway in order to apply for GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status in the US and Novel Food status in Europe. "Scientific studies will be initiated within the next quarter," said a spokesman.

Canola has a high level of protein purity without high fat, while its amino acid content was comparable to animal proteins and superior to soy, he claimed. Its protein efficiency ratio was double that of soy, and it had a cholesterol-lowering effect.