Leucine

Description

Leucine is an essential amino acid.

Also see: amino acids

Application

Leucine has generally been approved as taste-influencing agent for food (exception: ground corn products, non alcoholic beverages). A declaration within the scope of the ingredients is not necessary.

Leucine amongst other things is used as flavour enhancer in form of sodium and potassium salts as well as for diets.

• Also: additive in feed, especially for chickens

Gene technology

Leucine can be produced with help of genetically modified microorganisms. However, it is not verifiable in detail if, and in what frame, this procedure is used commercially.

Labelling food: Leucine as taste-influencing substance in foods is not subject to a labelling requirement since it is not an ingredient.

Leucine rates as ingredient in diet products. Amino acids are not subject to a labelling requirement, if they are produced in a closed system with the aid of GM microorganisms. Prerequisite is that the amino acid is purified and does not contain any microorganisms.  

Labelling feed: Amino acids as ingredient of feed are subject to a labelling requirement. The same regulations as for food apply.