23 Nov 2010 --- Danisco expects the EU approval of rosemary extracts as safe, effective food preservatives to encourage many more food manufacturers to include the natural antioxidant in their products.

Although research has long since documented the antioxidant properties of Danisco’s GUARDIAN Rosemary Extract, the European Commission’s recent publication of new directives marks the first legal recognition of the benefits in the EU.

Jørgen Sørensen, Global Business Director for Danisco’s natural extracts, views the development as a significant step forward in meeting the growing consumer demand for more natural products.

“Rosemary is a popular herb with a highly positive image among consumers. This is a major competitive advantage for food manufacturers who choose to use rosemary extract to preserve their products’ high quality,” he says.

What makes GUARDIAN Rosemary Extract particularly effective is its high content of phenolic diterpenes. Measured using a leading quantification technique developed in-house at Danisco, this is the active component that delays lipid oxidation and maintains the high sensory and nutritional quality of numerous food applications over a longer period.

The applications specified by the EU directives include fats and oils, bakery products, meats, dehydrated soups and potatoes, and nutritional supplements, such as fish oils. The directives additionally clarify that “dietary exposure resulting from the proposed uses and use levels were of no safety concern”, confirming EFSA’s scientific opinion of rosemary extract safety, issued in March 2008.

Danisco has been strongly involved participating both in the earlier phase of the process and in the lobbying work that led to the EU approval – a process that has taken several years.

“Our perseverance and the excellent cooperation of the European Commission has contributed significantly to bringing this about,” says Huub Scheres, Director, External Regulatory Affairs.

Vitiva (Slovenia) announced that the rosemary extracts sold under VivOX, INOLENS and SyneROX brands, are in compliance with the new legislation under EU directives 2010/ 67/ EU and 2010/ 69/ EU , which define purity criteria and application range for rosemary extracts as antioxidants.

”Adding rosemary extract to approved food additives in the antioxidant category significantly expands the horizons of its use and brings the benefits of this natural and potent ingredient to a wide EU audience, which is in constant quest for friendly label products with a natural image,” says Ohad Cohen, CEO of Vitva. “The long-awaited move of the EU legislation community to accept carnosic acid and carnosol-based rosemary extract as a safe natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, will allow food manufacturers to significantly expand their food portfolio by launching high quality and innovative products with a natural image. Now that our customers are finally  able to complete important projects and lauch new products with our extensive oxidation management systems, I anticipate a large number of new product launches in Europe during 2011.”

Throughout the years Vitiva has been developing a high value-added rosemary extract portfolio and customized solutions for all food applications. By utilizing proprietary new technologies, Vitiva has placed new standards for the highest quality and excellent performance of rosemary extracts towards the new age products in the market.

“Versatility, quality, active ingredient standardization and the proven benefits of Vitiva’s rosemary extracts are well known to a wide customer base all over the world,” adds Cohen. “As a leader in this category, Vitiva sees a significant new potential coming its way, brining new opportunities for strong business development and growth.”