BENEO wins EU approval to use chicory root fibre inulin in food and drinks

The European Commission has approved ingredients manufacturer BENEO’s chicory root fibre inulin for use in food and drink applications for better digestive health.

The 13.5 health claim, officially worded as ‘Chicory inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency’, is now available for use by food manufacturers.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the scientific grounding of the health claim, which is backed by six human intervention studies that prove that consumption of a minimum of 12g of Orafti inulin a day improved stool frequency and promoted digestive health.

The inulin is said to resist digestion in the small intestine and is completely fermented in the large intestine.

Usage of Orafti inulin in food and beverages will help in enhancing the bowel function of consumers, while not leading to diarrhea.

Improved bowel function arising from enhanced optimal fibre intake means a marked improvement of gastrointestinal health and general well-being, the company claims.

The European Commission said: "A cause and effect relationship had been established between the consumption of native chicory inulin, a non-fractionated mixture of monosaccharides, disaccharides, inulin-type fructans and inulin extracted from chicory with a mean degree of polymerisation, and maintenance of normal defecation by increasing stool frequency.

"Accordingly, a health claim reflecting this conclusion should be considered as complying with the requirements."

BENEO regulatory affairs and nutrition communication vice-president Anke Sentko said: "Improving regularity in a natural way is a growing health target of consumers.

"With the recent proprietary health claim for BENEO’s chicory inulin improving bowel function, our customers are well set to make the most of the ever-growing consumer trend of digestive health. At the same time the approval shows once again that BENEO’s commitment to strong scientific evidence of its ingredients is the right approach to contribute to the long-term benefit of consumers."

BENEO will own exclusive rights on the claim for five years.

Other health-related claims such as ‘chicory inulin promotes digestive health’ or ‘chicory root fibre supports a healthy and balanced digestive system’, which feature under article 10.3, are also likely to be included.