Lutein leader Kemin Foods has earned expanded GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for increased amounts of its lutein in the current GRAS food categories and for use as an ingredient in new food categories.
FloraGLO lutein can now be included in bottled water, carbonated beverages, instant and regular hot cereals, chewing gum and salad dressings, said the company at the IFT meeting in Chicago this week. In addition, frozen yogurt, hard confectionery, energy, sport or isotonic drinks, vegetable drinks, fruit snacks and infant/toddler foods - not including infant formula - have been added as food categories.
Kemin told visitors at the meeting that FloraGLO Lutein - the first lutein product with GRAS status - now has GRAS in more food categories than any other lutein ingredient manufacturer, increasing its range by up to 200 per cent.
"These expanding GRAS levels demonstrate the safety and versatility of lutein in foods and beverages. This is important in the continuing quest to make the powerful health impact of FloraGLO Lutein widely available to consumers everywhere," said Cheryl Sturm, strategic marketing manager for Kemin Foods.
Scientific evidence suggests that lutein is beneficial for the eyes, helping to reduce progression of age-related macular degeneration. It has also been found to promote skin and heart health.
Lutein inclusion allowances per serving (Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed or RACC) now range from 0.3 milligrams to 3 milligrams. The FloraGLO Lutein inclusion allowance limit for medical foods has been increased to 20 milligrams per day.