MINNEAPOLIS – The international community is reacting positively to mounting scientific evidence demonstrating that Oliggo-Fiber® inulin supports digestive health. Published evidence gathered from a placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind study submitted to international authorities by Cargill’s inulin partner (Cosucra Group) as well as other similar studies, prompted the French food safety authority, AFSSA, to recently approve a prebiotic health claim for food products containing native chicory inulin, specifically, Oliggo-fiber® Instant inulin.

In addition, a university study completed in Belgium and published by FEMS Microbiology Ecology, and a clinical trial in France, affirm that Oliggo-Fiber® inulin delivers a digestive health benefit at a realistic dose level of 2.5g two times per day.

            Just two 2.5g servings of this natural vegetable fiber found in food products such as bars, bread and dairy products have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria, microorganisms that are known to suppress the colonization of harmful bacteria in the colon.

            “Oliggo-Fiber® inulin is a natural source of dietary fiber, which is an important component of the United States Department of Agriculture’s newly revised Food Pyramid,” said Steve Snyder, vice president, sales and marketing, Cargill Health & Food Technologies.

“That’s great news for food manufacturers looking to meet consumer demand for natural fiber by incorporating Oliggo-Fiber® inulin into breads, bars and dairy products.”

Oliggo-FiberÒ inulin is a featured ingredient in two Cargill prototypes that will be showcased at Cargill’s booth (#2133) at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Expo, Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, July 27-19, 2005.

The prototypes, designed to meet both the taste demands and nutritional needs of Tweens (ages 8-12), are a chocolate instant pudding and a chocolate soy milk – both taste great and provide fiber that growing Tween bodies need. Cargill holds exclusive marketing rights in North America for Cosucra’s inulin that sells under the brand name of Oliggo-Fiber®.

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Cargill Health & Food Technologies (H&FT), based in Minneapolis, is a leading developer, processor and marketer of science-based, healthy ingredients for food and dietary supplements worldwide. Cargill H&FT is part of Cargill’s Food System Design initiative in which Cargill businesses work with customers to produce ingredient solutions for affordable, nutritious, convenient and appetizing consumer products.  Cargill H&FT is a business unit of Cargill, an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 105,000 employees in 59 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed.  For more information, visit http://www.cargillhft.com or http://www.cargill.com.