Jan 27 2012 --- Health Canada has cleared the way for Canadian food formulators to begin using Cargill’s Barliv barley betafiber as a source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. The approval of the Barliv brand as a novel dietary fiber, which was received in early January 2012, means that Canadians may soon be enjoying the benefits of Barliv barley betafiber in a variety of applications – from clear and carbonated beverages to snacks and cereals.

Barliv barley betafiber is a soluble fiber extract that is virtually invisible when added to foods and beverages. It is derived from whole grain barley, and has been clinically shown to lower cholesterol. The high purity and low viscosity of Barliv barley betafiber enable its use in an assortment of applications. In both the U.S. and Europe, qualified products made w ith Barliv barley betafiber can carry a health claim stating that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

“It is very exciting to receive this regulatory approval from Health Canada, which gives consumers and formulators a flexible alternative to oat beta glucan for their nutritional fiber needs,” said Lore Kolberg, director, Cargill Scientific and Regulatory Affairs NA.