Grape Extract Gains GRAS Affirmation

SAN ANSELMO, Calif.Ethical Naturals Inc. completed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) self-affirmation on its ORAC-15M antioxidant ingredient. ORAC-15M is a natural grape extract, standardized to contain 80 percent polyphenols and 15,000 ORAC units/gram. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a method that quantifies antioxidant levels in compounds.

Ethical Naturals uses the whole grape to produce its ORAC-15M ingredient, including skin, seed and pulp to gain synergistic effects that may help the body fight oxidative stress and promote general well-being. Among the powerful compounds that have been identified in grapes are quercetin and resveratrol. The company is using patent-pending technology to make ORAC-15M, which in addition to its antioxidant profile also has high water-solubility with a low flavor and color profile, making it easy to incorporate into beverages.

Were very pleased to have completed the lengthy GRAS affirmation process for ORAC-15M, said Cal Bewicke, president of Ethical Naturals. We greatly value our customers and manufacturing partners in the beverage industry, and this is one more way we can support them, through our ongoing program of GRAS affirmation.

Ethical Naturals uses its same patent-pending technology to product its SFB high-ORAC standardized fruit blend, which contains extracts of grape, apple, bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, chokeberry, goji, mangosteen and pomegranate.