Bifidogenic claim for 1.25g of inulin per serving approved in Malaysia

Thanks to the efforts of Sensus it is now possible to make a bifidogenic claim in Malaysia on foods containing 1.25g of inulin per serving. Based on the dossier set up by Sensus, the Dutch inulin producer, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has approved this adaptation.

The former claim for native inulin could only be made with a dosage of 2g per serving.

A lower dosage of 1.25g per portion was sufficient for oligofructose containing products. Recent human studies have shown that also with lower dosages of inulin a bifidogenic effect can be obtained. These studies and other data were presented to the relevant authorities in Malaysia together with the request to adapt the bifidogenic claim for inulin. In October 2008 the approval became available.

With this new claim the food industry has more opportunities to choose inulin for their applications and make a prebiotic claim. Inulin can be chosen for those applications in which mouthfeel is important, whereas oligofructose is the best choice in products in which optimal solubility is essential. It is now possible to make the same bifidogenic claim at the same usage level for inulin and oligofructose.

This shows again Sensus’ commitment in helping the global food industry to use inulin and oligofructose in food products with a health claim. Recently, Sensus also was involved in setting up the list of generic inulin-based claims within the framework of EU Regulation 1924/2006 for the use of nutrition and health claims on foods.

23 Dec 2008, www.ingredientsnetwork.com