Sabinsa gets GRAS for black pepper extract
The self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status was granted after an independent panel of experts signed off safety and toxicology data on the ingredient, which has so far been used in dietary supplement products.
The ingredient, BioPerine, is said to help in the absorption of nutrients by enhancing the body’s natural thermogenic activity.
It is a standardized black pepper extract that contains 98 percent of piperine, which is said to bind to so-called Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. This triggers metabolic processes favoring the flow of nutrients in the body.
Sabinsa said BioPerine has been studied for enhanced nutritional gut absorption in herbal extracts, water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and minerals.
Applications
The company said the self-affirmed GRAS means that manufacturers can now add the ingredient to food and beverage applications, including:
- Baked goods
- Milk products
- Breakfast cereals
- Cheese
- Egg products
- Processed vegetables
- Soft candy
- Soups
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Imitation dairy products
- Hard candy
- Chewing gum
- Granulated sugar
- Seasonings and flavors
Usage levels
According to the GRAS monograph, maximum use levels of BioPerine are 15ppm (15mg/kg) in specific foods, with the 90th percentile estimated intake of 13.32mg of BioPerine per person per day, as the safe level for food use and intake.
