EFSA OKs Barley Beta-Glucan Health Claim

MINNEAPOLIS Cargill announced the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel confirmed a cause-and-effect relationship between barley beta glucans and lower/reduced blood cholesterol. The opinion paves the way for European food and beverage manufacturers to use a stronger health claim on products that contain Barliv barley betafiber (beta-glucan).

Barliv barley betafiber is a soluble fiber extract that is invisible when added to foods and beverages. It is derived from whole-grain barley and has been clinically shown to lower cholesterol. The high purity and low viscosity of Barliv barley betafiber enable its use in an assortment of applications, from clear and carbonated beverages to snacks and cereals.

Cargill had petitioned EFSA for an Article 14 health claim in May 2011, providing significant supporting evidence, including 16 scientific references. The EFSA opinion supports the following health claim for Barliv and other barley beta-glucans with average molecular weight between 100 and 2000 kDa: Barley beta-glucans have been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. At least three grams of barley beta-glucans should be consumed per day to obtain the claimed effect."

In 2010, EFSA issued an Article 13 summary scientific opinion which confirmed the relationship between consuming beta-glucan and healthy blood cholesterol. This new Article 14 opinion further clarifies the ingredients role in sustaining good health by explaining its ability to lower or reduce blood cholesterol," said Lore Kolberg, director, Cargill Scientific and Regulatory Affairs.

The conditions for the health claims use are virtually identical to those for the existing FDA authorized health claim for barley betafiber. In 2008, the FDA authorized qualifying foods containing this ingredient to state: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3 grams per day of beta-glucan soluble fiber from barley betafiber may reduce the risk of heart disease."