Lutemax® 2020 Self-Affirmed GRAS

SHORT HILLS, N.J.Lutemax® 2020, OmniActive Health Technologies eye-health ingredient, achieved self-affirmed GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status showing it is safe for use in a range of food and beverage applications. The process involved comprehensive review of safety and toxicology data by an independent panel of qualified experts. Lutemax 2020 delivers a complete source of both lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in high concentrations.

"We are pleased to now be able to offer food and beverage manufacturers our popular Lutemax 2020 product as a single high-quality ingredient that provides the most researched ingredients for eye health - lutein and zeaxanthin isomers - in an optimal balance," noted Hiren Doshi, vice president, OmniActive Health Technologies. "Attaining GRAS status for Lutemax 2020 demonstrates our continued commitment to safety and quality, and will encourage more manufacturers to expand their product development opportunities.  By supplementing lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in our diet, we can ensure that our body is getting the required levels nutritionally associated with healthy eyes."

Lutemax 2020 balances all three macular carotenoids (lutein; 3R, 3R zeaxanthin; and meso-zeaxanthin) to support eye health. OmniActive's Lutemax line - which includes Lutemax free lutein and lutein esters, as well as Lutemax 2020 - offers manufacturers a safe and effective way to create products to target individuals looking to improve their eye health through foods and beverages including cereals, energy bars, juices, non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks and meal replacement bars. Additionally, fortifying products with Lutemax lutein ingredients does not affect the taste profile or aroma of the end product.

OmniActive's Lutemax ingredients are manufactured under a fully integrated supply chain process that starts with the cultivation of marigold flowers and continues through the extraction and manufacturing. The company established a dedicated group of farmers in India that grow marigolds without feed-grade additives and preservatives or pesticides such as ethoxyquin. This process helps to enhance quality, purity and performance of the raw material.  Once harvested, the marigolds are dehydrated and extracted into oleoresins in dedicated facilities under food-grade standards. Lutein is then isolated and purified from the marigold oleoresin using GRAS solvents in OmniActive's cGMP, HACCP and ISO-22000 certified facility.