Health Canada OKs Barley Beta-Glucan Health Claim

MINNEAPOLISCargill announced that Health Canada approved the use of Barliv barley betafiber (beta-glucan) as a novel dietary fiber in foods and beverages to help lower cholesterol. The approval was received in early January 2012.

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. In both the United States and Europe, qualified products made with Barliv barley betafiber can carry a health claim stating they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

It is very exciting to receive this regulatory approval from Health Canada, which gives consumers and formulators a flexible alternative to oat beta glucan for their nutritional fiber needs," said Lore Kolberg, director, Cargill Scientific and Regulatory Affairs NA.