Garuda International Inc., a U.S.A. based company specializing in the development, manufacturing and distribution of naturally derived ingredients today announced that its B-CAN Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
B-CAN Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan is safe for use as a food additive and approved for use in various food categories, as defined by 21 CFR 170.30. Potential food applications include breads, breakfast cereals, soups, salad dressings and beverages.
In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, products must be GRAS to be used by the food industry. B-CAN Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan is also currently certified Kosher and Halal.
The Expert Panel convened by GRAS Associates on behalf of Garuda International, Inc. concluded that the composite safety information for B-CAN Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan successfully meets FDA’s safety standards, that there is reasonable certainty of no harm under the intended conditions of use -- and overall GRAS criteria.
The GRAS dossier and Garuda’s intended food use conditions include addition of the B-CAN™ Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan at levels that yield 0.75 to 3.0g of ß-Glucan per serving in the following food categories:
• Bars, breakfast/nutrient
• Beverages
• Breads, whole grain and specialty
• Breakfast cereals
• Cookies (lite)
• Crackers (reduced fat)
• Gravies and sauces (lite)
• Instant rice
• Macaroni products
• Muffins (reduced fat)
• Salad Dressings (lite)
• Snack Chips (reduced fat)
• Soups
• Tomato-Based sauces
• Tortillas and taco shells
• Vegetarian Patties/crumbles
• Yogurt, reduced fat
In addition to these named food categories, B-CAN™ Oat Bran Concentrate/Oat ß-Glucan is intended for use under the supervision of a physician in medical foods at levels not to exceed 3.0g ß-Glucan/person/day.
Mr. Roger Matkin, President and CEO comments “We are very pleased with this GRAS status and feel that this move will enable food and beverage manufacturers in the U.S.A. and internationally, to offer healthier consumer products formulated with B-CAN.
On a related subject, Garuda International noted that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Article 14 (Commission Regulation (EU) No 1160/2011 of November 14 2011) expressed that its positive health claim opinion about Oat Beta Glucan for cholesterol reduction complies with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and suggested a beneficial effect at 3g daily and with the claim being allowed in foods which provide at least 1g per quantified portion.
On that subject, Mr. Bassam Faress, Director of Sales & Marketing at Garuda International commented: “This EFSA positive development now paves the way for even more familiarity with the benefits of Oat Beta Glucan. European food manufacturers can legally make the much deserved health claims at the applicable minimal doses identified by the EFSA for food and beverages including cereals, soups, dairy, bakery and beverage application.”
