Dutch Government Approves Frutafit(R)-Inulin Health Claim in Breads

Sensus Works with Ahold Baker on supporting healthy digestive system claim

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NEW JERSEY: Sensus America LLC announces the approval of the "healthy colon" claim for its Frutafit® inulin product by the Dutch Public Health Ministry. The approval was granted for Frutafit® inulin's use in breads baked by Bakkerij Veenhuis, a unit of Royal Ahold. The breads will be sold through Ahold-owned Albert Heijn supermarkets across the Netherlands and will be marketed under a new brand Vitaalbrood® ("vital bread"). Ahold is known in the US through its supermarkets like Stop & Shop, BI-LO, Giant-Carlisle, Giant-Landover, Bruno's and Tops.

Documented Bifidogenic Effect
Sensus worked with Bakkerij Veenhuis in developing the scientific data necessary to support the claim that a daily consumption of three slices of the bread with five grams of Frutafit® per 100 grams of bread creates a well-balanced intestinal flora composition which then leads to optimal colon functioning by selectively stimulating the growth of bifidobacterium.

Bifidobacterium controls intestinal pH by liberating lactic and acetic acid and other short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The induced acidic environment inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria including Clostridium species and Enterococcus. The growth of bifidobacteria is dependent on the metabolism of carbohydrates that are not metabolized upon reaching the colon. Inulin and inulin based Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are both non-nutritive natural ingredients that serve as a source of energy for bifidobacteria. These ingredients are FDA approved.

North American Products Being Developed
Sensus America works with N-American based food and beverage manufacturers on similar applications featuring healthy benefits with Frutafit® inulin and Frutalose™ FOS. "We already have successful products in the market and expect many more," said Pam Galvin, vice president of sales and marketing for Sensus America. "We have extensive research and expertise in this area and will seek approval of similar health claims by the FDA."

Sensus
Sensus is a leading supplier of food ingredients to food and beverage makers in more than 45 countries. Sensus America is headquartered in New Jersey and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sensus Operations C.V., Roosendaal, the Netherlands. Its products include Frutafit® and Frutalose™ inulin/fructo-oligosaccharides.

For Additional Information:
Sales Inquiries: Sensus America tel 646.452.6140, fax 646.452.6150, contact@sensus.us
Editorial Inquiries: Amy Hutnik, MBC, 609.818.0500, ahutnik@mbcb2b.com