Safety of zinc l-carnosine as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and bioavailability of zinc from this source in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC

The European Commission requested an opinion from the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) regarding zinc l-carnosine. This opinion concerns zinc l-carnosine as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. It also assesses its use as a source of zinc in food supplements. The novel food is produced by chemical synthesis. The target population includes individuals over 12 years of age. Pregnant and lactating women are excluded from this target group. Zinc l-carnosine is a chelate complex formed between Zn 2+ ions and l-carnosine.