Sensus Respond to Official EU Health Claim On Blood Glucose Management

The new health claim confirms that chicory root fiber contributes to better blood glucose management, as it supports a lower rise in blood glucose response. Scientific evidence jointly submitted to the EU’s European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) by Sensus and other chicory root fiber manufacturers prompted the change in regulation.

 

Paul Vennik, Marketing & Sales Director of Sensus, told NutritionInsight: “We are pleased with the new legislation on blood glucose management for our chicory root fiber. Sensus keeps going ahead in its efforts to support its customers with useful research on the effect of chicory root fiber on gut health and weight management."

 

“We like to give our customers as much as possible support developing healthier and tasty food products.”

 

Chicory root fiber is a natural ingredient that is also labeled as inulin, oligofructose. It is a functional fiber, a food ingredient from roots of the chicory plant and has significant, scientifically-proven health benefits.

 

Sensus manufactures Frutafit inulin and Frutalose oligofructose, both of which can be used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of food products, including dairy foods, cereals and bars, bakery products, savory, confectionery, beverages and infant nutrition.

 

Food and beverage products containing chicory root fiber instead of sugars induce a lower blood glucose rise after consumption, compared to sugar-containing foods and drinks.

 

Now that the claim has been approved, food manufacturers have the opportunity to communicate general health-related claims on products made with chicory root fiber, such as “Keeping your blood sugar low” or “More balanced blood glucose rise”.

 

The officially approved health claim for chicory root fiber is one of several that are under consideration. However, as Elaine E. Vaughan, PhD of Sensus Scientific & Regulatory Affairs told NutritionInsight: “Only about 3 dossiers for health claims have been submitted so far this year, so we are really pleased with this current health claim achievement on improving blood glucose management.”

 

“We expect that within the coming year EFSA will decide again positively on the outcome of the chicory root dossiers submitted,” Vennik added.