Vancouver, British Colombia,
Canada
October 7, 2008
Burcon NutraScience Corporation (TSX-V: BU) announced today
that its Puratein® and Supertein™ canola protein isolates are
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for their intended use in a
variety of food and beverage applications. The products have
been self-affirmed GRAS through an independent evaluation by a
panel of qualified experts in the fields of food safety,
toxicology, nutritional sciences, food allergies and pediatric
nutrition. Burcon's Puratein® and Supertein™ are the first
canola protein isolates to have attained GRAS status in the
United States.
GRAS status permits Puratein® and Supertein™ to be marketed and
used in a variety of mainstream foods and beverages for human
consumption. Puratein® and Supertein™ are expected to
participate with soy, dairy and egg proteins in the
multi-billion dollar global protein ingredient market. Protein
ingredients are valued for both their nutritional qualities as
well as their functional applications in foods and beverages.
Puratein® is a canola protein isolate with functional properties
that include emulsification, gel formation, thickening,
formation of heat-stable foams, and water- and
ingredient-binding. Applications for Puratein® include
dressings, meat substitutes, baked goods and protein bars, among
many others.
Supertein™ is a canola protein isolate with functional
properties including excellent solubility, the ability to form
transparent solutions and foaming. Applications for Supertein™
include beverages, confectionery, aerated desserts, and protein
bars, among many others. Nutritionally, the proteins are equally
exciting with unique amino acid profiles.
"Achieving GRAS status is a major advancement in the
commercialization of Puratein® and Supertein™, the world's first
food-grade canola proteins," stated Johann F. Tergesen, Burcon's
President & COO who added, "We benefited from the expertise of
our development partner, Archer Daniels Midland Company,
throughout this process. Our combined team is focused on
creating a competitive advantage for food and beverage
manufacturers with these exciting new proteins."
GRAS status is the standard set by the US Food and Drug
Administration for food ingredients to be accepted for use in
foods and beverages. "GRAS" is an acronym for the phrase:
"generally recognized as safe". With today's
announcement, Burcon's Puratein® and Supertein™ are
self-affirmed GRAS. Burcon and ADM have chosen to also pursue
GRAS notification for Puratein® and Supertein™. GRAS
notification is a voluntary procedure whereby a company informs
the FDA of its determination that the use of a substance is
GRAS. A substance is GRAS Notified when, after reviewing the
GRAS notification, the FDA responds with a no-objection letter
if it is satisfied with the submission. It is important to note
however that Burcon's Puratein® and Supertein™ canola proteins
are considered GRAS from today's date for the intended
applications.
Burcon is a research and development company developing a
portfolio of composition, application, and process patents
around its plant protein extraction and purification technology.
The goal of Burcon's research is to develop its patented process
to utilize inexpensive oilseed meals for the production of
purified plant proteins that exhibit valuable nutritional,
functional or nutraceutical profiles. Burcon, in conjunction
with Archer Daniels Midland, is currently focusing its efforts
on developing the world's first commercial canola proteins,
Puratein® and Supertein™. Canola, recognized for its nutritional
qualities, is the second-largest oilseed crop in the world after
soybeans. Burcon's goal is to develop Puratein® and Supertein™
to participate with soy, dairy, and egg proteins in the
expanding multi-billion-dollar protein ingredient market, with
potential uses in prepared foods, nutritional supplements, and
personal care products. |
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