Rapeseed powder receives novel food authorisation from EFSA

Avena Nordic Grain Plc, part of the Apetit Plc Group, has received a verdict from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in favour of receiving novel food authorisation for its first new product innovation. BlackGrain from Yellow Fields is a rapeseed-based plant protein and fibre powder that is said to have great nutritional values and versatile product applications. 

“Favourable opinion means that BlackGrain from Yellow Fields has been assessed safe by the authority. This opinion from EFSA is a positive and significant waypoint on this journey. We will continue taking steps forward in developing new BlackGrain rapeseed ingredients,” said R&D Manager, Kaisu Riihinen.

EFSA has previously deemed the use of rapeseed protein powder to be safe, when the content of antinutrients typical to rapeseed – which are considered harmful in large quantities – are on a low level. Processing steps of the rapeseed powder are based on reducing the content of these antinutrients, glucosinolates and phytates.

“We’ve continued development in the second phase of the project, and our goal is to develop new ingredients based on the original ingredient with a customer-oriented approach,” Riihinen said.

BlackGrain is made from one of Avena’s main products, oil seed expellers. Until now, oil seed expellers have been utilised as animal feed, but through development, it can now reportedly be used in making rapeseed powder suitable for human consumption.

“Oil seed expeller is an existing, nutrient-rich raw ingredient. Using oil seed expeller in human consumption cuts down the food chain, and is a responsible choice”, Riihinen noted.

“BlackGrain has been tested and adapted to be used in breads, cereal bars, snacks, granola, muesli, meat analogs and meatballs. Moreover, we are happy to take our customers’ requirements into consideration and help them find the best way of incorporating BlackGrain into their product,” added Product Development Manager, Leticia Valenzuela.

BlackGrain from Yellow Fields is also vegan, gluten-, GMO-, and soy-free. Dark in colour and mild in taste, BlackGrain is said to work especially well with grains, pea protein and starch. 

“BlackGrain from Yellow Fields can improve the nutritional values of food products, especially the protein and nutritional fibre content. It is at the top of innovative product development, and a sustainable and safe choice,” Valenzuela concluded.