New product for formulators is also non-GMO and kosher

DES MOINES, IOWA (April 1, 2004) – Spurred by customer interest in a vegetarian option, Kemin Foods L.C. has introduced the market’s first vegetarian lutein ingredient in a dry form.

FloraGLO Lutein 5% VG Granules are also preservative-free, gelatin-free, BSE-free, kosher (Orthodox Union regulations) and contain only natural ingredients. The product is also free of genetically-modified organisms (GMO) and derived from non-GMO material. The free-flowing, dry product is recommended for use in nutritional supplements. Application testing for inclusion in food and beverage products is under way.

“We are pleased to now offer our purified, patented FloraGLO Lutein to supplement brands that require vegetarian ingredients,” said Rodney Ausich, Ph.D., president of Kemin Foods. “The added benefits of natural, GMO-free granule ingredients make this an appealing product within the growing natural and whole foods segment.”

Market data has shown growth in the U.S. vegetarian foods market of 113 percent from 1998-2003, with annual growth rates between 8 percent and 16 %.*

FloraGLO Lutein 5% VG Granules contain no synthetic ingredients, no preservatives, and no corn or soy ingredients, which may be important to those with certain allergies. All ingredients are approved for use in the United States, Europe and Japan.

All ingredients in FloraGLO Lutein 5% VG Granules are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) among a variety of food and beverage categories in accordance with Section 201 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. More information is available by contacting Kemin Foods customer service at 866-536-4666.

About Kemin Foods and FloraGLO Lutein
Numerous peer-reviewed studies link the important eye-health benefits of the natural antioxidant lutein with reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Newer science also has suggested lutein may promote healthy skin. Sourced from marigold flowers and purified from marigold flower oleoresin, FloraGLO Lutein is the world’s leading patented, purified lutein. Products with FloraGLO Lutein contain the same lutein naturally found in spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, as well as eggs.

Lutein, present in many areas of the eye including the macula and lens, appears to filter high-energy blue wavelengths of visible light—from both natural sunlight and indoor light. Lutein also appears to quench free radicals that may lead to oxidative stress that can damage cells in these tissues. Studies indicate that daily intake of 6 mg to 10 mg may be beneficial. Lutein’s light-filtering, antioxidant qualities may help protect the outer and inner layers of skin through use of oral and topical skin-care products.

Kemin Foods is ISO 9001:2000 certified and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. It is an affiliated company of Kemin Industries Inc., with manufacturing facilities in Iowa, Texas, Belgium, India, Singapore, China and Thailand. To learn more about Kemin Foods and FloraGLO brand lutein, visit www.FloraGLOlutein.com or www.luteininfo.com.

* Source: Mintel International Group Ltd., Nov. 2003; Research and Markets, Sept. 2003

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