Science & Technology

Plant Sterols Approved for Use in Foodstuffs

Edited by Joshua Smith - June 4th, 2001

The Federal and State Health Ministers recently approved the use of plant sterols in spreads and other foodstuffs out of the belief that they help to reduce the body's absorption of cholesterol.

This decision has been welcomed by the Goodman Fielder, who are Australia's largest food manufacturer and the first company to produce a range of plant sterol enriched products, the Logicol™ range, including breakfast bars, mayonnaise, milk and yoghurt.

Mr Doug McKay, the company's Chief Operating Officer, responded to the move by stating, "This is good news for the 4.5 million Australians who suffer from high cholesterol as they now have a safe and effective food option for reducing cholesterol absorption."

He also highlighted Goodman Fielder's own research, which shows that consuming two to three serves of Logicol™ margarine, as part of a healthy balanced diet, can significantly reduce cholesterol absorption.

Goodman Fielder and other companies are awaiting the outcome of applications before Australia and New Zealand Food Authority to allow the use of phytosterols in these other foods.

"Goodman Fielder has initiated independent scientific and clinical research on using plant sterols in a range of foods to show they are safe and effective." said Mr McKay. "The use of plant sterols has already been approved in other countries including the US and the UK."

Clinical studies using plant sterols in other foods are currently underway at the Barker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne and the Division of Health Sciences and Nutrition at the CSIRO in Adelaide. Goodman Fielder will not market other food products containing plant sterols after 16th June until these studies have been assessed.