Plant Sterols Cleared for Use in Canada

DECATUR, Ill.ADM announced that Health Canada has issued a ruling that will allow ADMs CardioAid® plant sterols to be added to foods.

 Health-conscious consumers are seeking heart-healthy foods that may help lower cholesterol naturally when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, said Scott Horton, ADMs product manager for CardioAid plant sterols. Manufacturers in Canada will soon be able to incorporate the benefits of CardioAid plant sterols into everyday foods and beverages without affecting taste. 

Health Canada has confirmed that plant sterols may be added to the following foods: mayonnaise, margarine, calorie-reduced margarine, yogurt and yogurt drinks, vegetable and fruit juices, salad dressing and unstandardized salad dressings and spreads.

Health Canada has also issued guidance concerning the use of health claims regarding the cholesterol lowering effect of plant sterols. The following statement may be used for foods meeting the qualifying criteria: [serving size from Nutrition Facts table in metric and common household measures] of [naming the product] provides X% of the daily amount of plant sterols shown to help reduce/lower cholesterol in adults.

Health Canada has indicated that one or both of following statements may be used adjacent to the primary statement (above):
  Plant sterols help reduce [or help lower] cholesterol.
 High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.