Phenylalanine

Description

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid.

See also: amino acids

Application

Phenylalanine is used as:

• a taste-influencing agent (approved for foods in general; exceptions: ground cereal products, alcohol-free soft drinks). It does not have to be included in the list of ingredients
• ingredient in dietary foods and clinical diets
• the sweetener aspartame is prepared from phenylalanine and aspartic acid

Phenylalanine is not tolerated by individuals who suffer from the metabolic disease phenylketonuria. Products that are sweetened with aspartame must therefore carry a clear indication that they contain phenylalanine.

Gentechnik

Phenylalanine can be produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms (Escherichia coli). This method has been used commercially in the USA for several years.

Labelling of foodstuffs: Phenylalanine as a flavour-influencing agent does not have to be declared as it is not an ingredient in the legal sense.

In dietary products and clinical diets, phenylalanine is considered an ingredient. However, there is still no obligation for it to be labelled if the amino acids are produced in a closed system with the help of GM microorganisms, providing that the particular amino acid is purified and does not contain any microorganisms. 

Labelling of animal feed: amino acids as components of animal feeds have to be labelled. Basically, the same regulations apply as those for foodstuffs.