FDA Amends Soluble Fibre Claim Regulation for betafiber

Cargill is also exploring the possibility of additional clinical studies that may support broader health benefits for Barlív barley betafiber, in line with other recognized health benefits.

26/02/08 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the health claim regulation entitled "Soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)" to add barley betafiber as an additional eligible source of beta-glucan soluble fiber. Barley betafiber is the ethanol precipitated soluble fraction of cellulase and alpha-amylase hydrolyzed whole grain barley flour.

FDA is taking this action in response to a health claim petition submitted by Cargill, Inc. FDA previously concluded that there was significant scientific agreement that a claim characterizing the relationship between beta-glucan soluble fiber of certain whole oat and whole grain barley products and CHD risk is supported by the totality of publicly available scientific evidence.

Based on the totality of publicly available scientific evidence, FDA now has concluded that in addition to certain whole oat and whole grain barley products, barley betafiber is also an appropriate source of beta-glucan soluble fiber. Therefore, FDA is amending the health claim regulation entitled "Soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of CHD" to include barley betafiber as another eligible source of beta-glucan soluble fiber.

“This is a significant step in Cargill’s drive to commercialize new products with high relevance to consumers, capitalizing on the increasing demand for heart-healthy products,” said William Rock, Barlív barley betafiber product manager, Cargill.

The high purity and low viscosity of Barlív barley betafiber allow for its use in a wide variety of applications, from carbonated beverages to snacks and cereals.

Cargill is also exploring the possibility of additional clinical studies that may support broader health benefits for Barlív barley betafiber, in line with other recognized health benefits.