Cognis Achieves Novel Foods Approval for Plant Sterols in Canada
A recent ruling by Health Canada now allows Cognis’ natural plant sterol and sterol esters to be used in food products. In June 2009, when Cognis submitted a Novel Food application, phytosterols were only approved for use in dietary supplements. The Novel Food approval includes criteria for the use of a health claim for cholesterol lowering, as well.
Phytosterols are found naturally in vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, legumes, nuts, and grains. Survey findings show that a dietary gap often exists because concentrated levels of sterols are associated with high-fat foods, so consumers limiting fat intake may omit these foods from their diet. Since the molecular structure of plant sterols is almost identical to cholesterol, the body accepts plant sterols as though they were cholesterol, blocking the absorption of dietary cholesterol into the bloodstream.
“With our market leadership position in plant sterol esters, Cognis is committed to building consumer awareness so Canadians and others around the globe can benefit from safe, naturally derived and effective intervention options available which may help counter these sobering statistics,” said Laura Troha, Marketing Manager, Cognis Nutrition & Health.
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