Functional ingredients manufacturer BENEO is pleased to announce that the Standing Committee on Plant, Animals, Food and Feed has agreed with the EU Commission in its meeting on 12 April to authorise a second 13.5 health claim for the company’s chicory root fibres.

The announcement comes just three months after the company received its first 13.5 health claim for its chicory inulin at the beginning of the year.

The recent health claim confirms that inulin and oligofructose contribute to a better blood glucose management as they support a lower rise in blood glucose response. The wording for the claim may read: ‘Consumption of food/drinks containing inulin/oligofructose instead of sugars induces a lower blood glucose rise after their consumption compared to sugar-containing foods/drinks’ when BENEO`s chicory root fibres are used.

The EU Commission will now continue with the publication of the health claim in the EU Official Journal, which is expected within four to six weeks. Consequently, the claim will be able to be used in the market soon.

About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a number that is likely to more than double in the next 20 years. More than 90% of these people suffer from diabetes Type II so preventative measures, such as healthy eating, are a key area of concern. Leading scientists agree that a low glycaemic diet reduces the risk of Type II diabetes and helps to control blood glucose levels, a factor that’s particularly important for people who already suffer from diabetes. Consumer awareness around the issue is growing and as a result, many more consumers are now seeking out low glycaemic products. The new health claim supports them in more easily identifying the respective products and also helps manufacturers to develop a greater variety of low glycaemic choices in response to this consumer need.

BENEO’s inulin and oligofructose, derived from chicory root, contribute to a lower glycaemic response of food and drink products because they are not digested in the human digestive system and thus no glucose is released into the blood stream. Replacing high glycaemic ingredients such as sucrose, glucose and maltodextrin using BENEO’s dietary fibres that do not cause a glycaemic response consequently lowers the blood glucose response of the final product and adds a valuable fibre source at the same time.

Vice-president of regulatory affairs and nutrition communication Anke Sentko said: “Blood glucose management is a key element in the promotion of long-term health from early on. Consumers are increasingly aware that carbohydrate-based, low glycaemic products contribute to healthy nutrition. #

“The new health claim for BENEO’s dietary fibres inulin and oligofructose confirms once again the strong scientific evidence behind our ingredients. But, even more important than that, it offers manufacturers the opportunity to help consumers make better choices in their daily diet that support a low glycaemic nutrition.”