PectCof (NL) secures a positive EFSA scientific opinion for Dutch Gum as a novel food ingredient
Venlo, January 27, 2026
PectCof, a Dutch innovator in plant-based functional ingredients, today announced that it has received a positive scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), concluding that its novel food ingredient Dutch Gum is safe under the proposed conditions of use.
Dutch Gum is PectCof’s flagship ingredient: a highly purified functional dietary fiber with excellent emulsifying and stabilizing properties, designed to support clean-label formulations across a wide range of food and beverage applications. Dutch Gum offers a natural solution to improve texture, stability and mouthfeel, while contributing to fiber enrichment and overall nutritional quality.
In EFSA’s scientific opinion, the authority concluded that the information provided on the production process, composition, specifications and stability of Dutch Gum was sufficient and raised no safety concerns. EFSA also indicated that there were no concerns related to toxicity. The novel food ingredient has been tested positively on functionality and cost-in-use in several applications in a variety of commercial food products, including beverages, bakery, dairy alternatives, ice cream, sauces and confectionary.
PectCof already secured self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the USA in 2024. The positive EFSA opinion represents a major milestone for PectCof and is a key step toward the authorization of Dutch Gum by the European Commission and its inclusion on the Union list of novel foods. Once authorized (in 4 to 7 months), Dutch Gum can be commercialized across the European Union. Enabling food manufacturers to adopt a new, safe and sustainable functional ingredient.
“We are very pleased with this important milestone for PectCof and for innovation in the European food ingredient sector,” says Rudi Dieleman, Co-Founder at PectCof. “The EFSA opinion confirms the robustness of our scientific dossier and the safety of Dutch Gum under its intended uses. We see this milestone as strong validation of our technology. We also want to take the opportunity to thank all of our investors, including Brightlands Venture Partners and Future Food Fund, in funding all activities related to the approval.”
Aligned with PectCof’s mission to accelerate the transition toward healthier and more sustainable food formulations, and creating additional income for coffee farmers, the company sees significant market potential for Dutch Gum. Demand for clean-label, fiber-rich and functional ingredients continues to grow as food producers respond to changing consumer expectations around health, transparency and sustainability. “By combining functionality with nutritional benefits, low environmental footprint and low in cost-in-use at competitive prices, Dutch Gum fits perfectly with current and future food innovation trends in Europe and beyond.” adds Rudi Dieleman.
Pectcof is also actively progressing regulatory pathways in other key markets and is engaging with international partners to support PectCof in the global rollout of Dutch Gum following EU authorization.
For further information:
PectCof
Rudi Dieleman
T: +31 (0) 620218712
E: rudi.dieleman@pectcof.com
W: https://www.pectcof.com
About PectCof
PectCof is a Netherlands-based food ingredient company focused on the development of innovative, plant-based functional ingredients for the global food and beverage industry. By combining scientific rigor, sustainable sourcing and application-driven innovation, PectCof supports food manufacturers in creating healthier, cleaner-label and more sustainable products.