Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released a consultation paper about beta-glucan and blood cholesterol health claims.
The consultation paper follows a recent review by FSANZ of the food-health relationships between beta-glucan, oats and barley and blood cholesterol.
The review found that a food-health relationship between oats (not barley) and blood cholesterol is substantiated, not the current pre-approved relationship for a high level health claim between beta-glucan and blood cholesterol.
FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said FSANZ is seeking the views of stakeholders to understand how claims about beta-glucan are currently used and any implications for industry and consumers if changes are made to the standard.
“This feedback will help inform our next steps. Consultation is a critical part of our work to inform standards development and ensure the best outcomes for the community and our food supply,” Mr Booth said.
The consultation paper is available from the Food Standards website for comment until 6pm (Canberra time) 14 September 2017.