FutureCeuticals Affirms GRAS Status of CoffeeBerry®

MOMENCE, Ill.VDF FutureCeuticals announced an independent expert panel affirmed the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status of its CoffeeBerry® products, including CoffeeBerry Whole Fruit Powder, Juice Concentrate Powder and Forte Soluble Concentrate. The panel evaluated the published research and toxicology profile of CoffeeBerry and determined the ingredients are safe for use as antioxidant ingredients in a range of food and beverage applications, including coffee and tea, fruit and vegetable juices, waters, energy and sports drinks, soups, candies and confections, and pastries.

John M. Hunter, general manager of FutureCeuticals, commented, "As the only product that safely preserves the robust nutritional profile of the whole coffee fruit, CoffeeBerry has unparalleled antioxidant properties. A single gram of the CoffeeBerry Whole Powder provides the approximate antioxidant potential equivalent to 33 grams of blueberries. Just 1 gram of our 85% phenolic acids CoffeeBerry concentrate yields 15,000 ORAC units per gram, or 1,500,000 ORAC units per 100 grams. The GRAS certification adds to these products' considerable appeal and exemplifies FutureCeuticals' ongoing commitment to creating, substantiating, and delivering the best nutritional products and ingredients available anywhere."

Hunter added the company continues to invest in research and clinical testing of its CoffeeBerry technology and possible applications. He said the most recent test indicated a single serving of CoffeeBerry may stimulate the activity of a human blood enzyme associated with maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels; the ingredient has also been shown to possibly reduce levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

CoffeeBerry ingredients are produced using a proprietary technology from the whole fruit of the coffee plant, Coffea Arabica. The ingredients are kosher and GMO-free; organic forms are also available.