7 Aug 2012 –– Ganeden Biotech, a recognized world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of probiotics, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for GanedenBC³⁰ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086), a spore-forming probiotic ingredient. GanedenBC³⁰ is the first Bacillus strain to receive GRAS status; Ganeden Biotech spent the last six years developing and implementing trials to prepare for the full GRAS filing.

The Department of Health and Human Services of the FDA has contacted Ganeden Biotech regarding GRAS Notice No. 000399 to inform the company that, based on the information provided by Ganeden Biotech, as well as other information available to the FDA, the agency has no questions or objections at this time regarding the expert panel conclusion that GanedenBC³⁰is GRAS under the intended conditions of use.

GanedenBC³⁰ is a probiotic intended for use in a wide variety of foods including baked goods and baking mixes; beverages; cereals; gum; coffees and teas; condiments and relishes; confections and frostings; dairy product analogs; fats and oils; fruit juices; frozen dairy desserts and mixes; fruit and water ices; gelatins, pudding and fillings; grain products and pastas; hard candy and cough drops; herbs, seeds, spices, seasonings, blends, extracts, and flavorings; jams and jellies; milk; milk products; nuts and nut products; plant protein products; processed fruits; processed vegetables and vegetable juices; snack foods; soft candies; soups and soup mixes; sugars; and sweet sauces, toppings and syrups.

"What separates GanedenBC³⁰ from other spore forming probiotics is not just the FDA's stamp of approval, which very few probiotics have, but the fact that it is safe to ingest at such high levels," said Mike Bush, Vice President of Business Development, Ganeden Biotech. "We expect many companies both within and outside of the U.S. market to fast track their product development based on the FDA GRAS approval."

FDA GRAS status is recognized in many countries outside the U.S. and potentially contributes towards regulatory acceptance abroad.

In 2007, Ganeden Biotech reached a self-affirmed GRAS determination for GanedenBC³⁰ which allowed them to sell to the food market. In 2010, they reaffirmed this status and later submitted their claim to the FDA in 2011 with the guidance of the AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc.

John R. Endres, ND, Chief Scientific Officer, AIBMR Life Sciences, and full member of the Society of Toxicology and lead panel expert for the GanedenBC³⁰ GRAS self determination and FDA notification said, "Through their tremendous commitment to science and safety, Ganeden Biotech is a model for the probiotic and functional foods industries."

According to Dr. David Keller, Vice President of Scientific Operations of Ganeden Biotech, "The FDA's No Objection letter affirms all of the time, the quality work and the extensive research put into demonstrating the safety of GanedenBC³⁰."

GanedenBC³⁰ safeguards the cell's genetic material from the heat and pressure of the manufacturing process. It easily incorporates into products, overcomes shelf life challenges and withstands the acid and bile to which it's exposed during digestive transit.

GanedenBC³⁰ can currently be found in more than 60 foods and numerous beverage categories including: baked goods, soup mixes, drink mixes, prepared foods, dairy, confectionary products and nutrition bars.