Earlier this month the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) published a safety assessment for Vitamin D2 mushroom powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015 /2283.  The mushroom powder is produced from Agaricus bisporus and then exposed to ultra-violet irradiation to enhance the photochemical conversion of provitamin D2 (ergosterol) to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) for use by the target population.  The target population is identified as the general population except for food supplements which are not intended for anyone under one year of age and foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) which are intended for individuals above one year of age.  Application has been made to allow the NF in a variety of food and beverage applications.  Vitamin D2 mushroom powder is permitted for use in the US as a nutrient supplement with some restrictions set forth by FDA.

Questions? Ask our experts.

Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne

Posted on 7 May 2021