Cargill Declares GRAS Status for REGENASURE Glucosamine to be Used in Specific Food and Beverage Applications

13/03/07 Cargill announced that its REGENASURE Glucosamine was determined to be GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for specific food and beverage applications. This product has been determined to be GRAS through an independent evaluation by an expert panel of respected scientists. It is the only GRAS glucosamine available today. The GRAS status permits REGENASURE Glucosamine to be used in a variety of specific mainstream foods and beverages.

Joint effort with Coca-Cola

This month, The Coca-Cola Company launched Minute Maid Active Pure Squeezed Orange Juice, which contains 750mg of REGENASURE Glucosamine HC1 per serving. Just two 8 fl. oz. servings delivers 1500 mg of REGENASURE Glucosamine, which is the typical daily amount of glucosamine that has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be efficacious in helping support joint function. Minute Maid Active Orange Juice is the first enhanced juice in the market to contain Cargill’s GRAS glucosamine.

“Joint health is a very common concern for consumers who lead active lifestyles,” said Allison Barrett, Minute Maid senior brand manager. “Minute Maid Active Orange Juice with Cargill’s REGENASURE Glucosamine gives consumers a convenient, refreshing way to enjoy great-tasting, nutritious orange juice while helping to protect cartilage and joints from the stresses of normal daily activities.” The product is available nationwide.

Glucosamine’s role in joint health

An active lifestyle, participation in impact sports, and aging can wear down joint cartilage. Glucosamine, a molecule naturally produced in the human body by cellular metabolism, is an important constituent of connective tissues, such as joints. It is a key building block of joint cartilage and joint fluid and is used by millions of people to promote mobility and joint health. Numerous animal and in vitro studies, as well as numerous human clinical trials, have demonstrated the positive benefits of glucosamine.

REGENASURE Glucosamine’s unique features

Cargill’s REGENASURE Glucosamine is produced from a vegetarian source and is the only commercially available non-animal, non-shellfish glucosamine. Other glucosamine products on the market are derived from shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.) shell waste.

“REGENASURE Glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new or existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease,” said Bill Gruber, vice president, Cargill Acidulants. According to Gruber, REGENASURE Glucosamine with GRAS status offers food and beverage manufacturers a variety of unique advantages, including:

• First use of glucosamine in specific foods and beverages

• Shellfish allergen-free, vegetarian source and Kosher/Halal certified

• Highly soluble, clean-tasting

• Drop-in formulation

• Access to Cargill’s capabilities, including: consumer insights and trends; research, development and technical expertise; sensory and pilot testing; nutrition and regulatory services; and supply chain and risk management services.