Kensing secures exclusive EFSA authorisation for sunflower-derived phytosterols
Kensing LLC has obtained exclusive European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) authorisation for Sunvasterol™, a naturally derived phytosterol ingredient sourced from sunflower seeds. The approval, granted through EFSA’s Novel Food application process, provides the company with commercial exclusivity in Europe for this specific sunflower-based plant sterol product.
Science-backed cholesterol reduction mechanism
Phytosterols function by competing with dietary and biliary cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, thereby reducing the quantity of cholesterol entering the bloodstream. This mechanism has been documented in more than 140 published studies supporting the effects of phytosterols on total and LDL-cholesterol levels.
EFSA-approved health claims indicate that daily intake of 1.5–3.0 g of plant sterols can reduce total and LDL cholesterol by approximately 7–12% over 2–3 weeks when incorporated into authorised food categories. Additionally, a daily intake of at least 0.8 g can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Manufacturing process and composition
Sunvasterol is derived from sunflower oil distillates and produced at Kensing’s facilities in Valencia and Talavera de la Reina, Spain, from an upcycled byproduct of sunflower oil.
The ingredient comprises concentrated phytosterols – primarily beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol – in the form of free sterols and sunflower lipid-linked esters.
The Novel Food dossier submitted to EFSA included an amended specification allowing higher amounts of “other sterols/stanols” naturally occurring in the ingredient to better reflect the natural composition of sunflower-derived sterols.
“We are very excited to receive this approval, which allows us to offer an additional source of non-GMO, allergen-free phytosterols that are fully disconnected from deforestation and traceability challenges, providing a sustainable alternative,” said Serge Rogasik, CEO of Kensing. “The EFSA approval confirms that sunflower-derived phytosterols deliver a strong cholesterol-lowering benefit, similar to our other EFSA-approved sterols.”
Application versatility
Esterification increases the fat-solubility of the plant sterols, enabling incorporation into fat-containing foods including margarines, spreads, yoghurts, functional dairy drinks, dairy products, milk-analogue products, condiments, and salad dressings.
“Sunvasterol combines robust scientific validation and a smart formulation approach to create an ingredient that exerts minimal sensory impact on the carrier product,” said Alejandro Abad, Executive VP and General Manager Europe for Kensing. “It does not affect the flavour or colour of foods and integrates smoothly into multiple food applications without requiring reformulation or processing changes.”
The ingredient is certified kosher, halal, non-GMO, and carries upcycled certification. Kensing will showcase Sunvasterol at Fi Europe in Paris from 2–4 December 2025.
For more information, visit: www.kensingsolutions.com
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