Chromium Picolinate Gains EFSA Approval

PURCHASE, N.Y.Nutrition 21, Inc. announced the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued its safety assessment supporting the use of chromium picolinate in foods intended for the general population in the EU. EFSAs safety review was in response to Nutrition 21s application to market Chromax® chromium picolinate as a source of chromium in conventional foods in Europe. In its safety assessment, EFSA concluded that chromium picolinate has a large margin of safety supporting its use as a source of chromium up to the maximum level established by the World Health Organization. Nutrition 21 expects the formal approval of chromium picolinate will be issued in 2011.

William J. Levi, Vice President, Ingredients, Nutrition 21, stated: This is an exciting development for our Ingredients business. Expansion into the European Union is an important component of our growth strategy. We, along with our European distributor Ingredia, look forward to pursuing opportunities with food companies."

James Komorowski, Vice President, Research & Development at Nutrition 21, commented: The safety review was extensive and included a review of Nutrition 21s safety data on Chromax chromium picolinate, our manufacturing and product specifications, and the long-term, high-dose, toxicity studies independently conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program." In total, the safety review included over 140 references.