The National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) has approved a prebiotic claim for the chicory root fibres inulin and oligofructose. They are now the first and only ingredients recognised as prebiotics in the country. BENEO said this approval was made possible thanks to their continuous research and efforts to communicate the prebiotic effect of inulin and oligofructose to the local authorities. Just last year, BENEO announced a significant expansion for its chicory root fibre production facility in Chile by 2022, funded by an investment of more than 50 million Euro.
The claim is approved under the milk powder category for the general population and refers to healthy people from three years of age, as well as teenagers, adults, and the elderly. The minimum required dose is 4.5 g/L on a ready-to-drink basis of inulin and oligofructose, in 30:70 ratio. By incorporating BENEO’s chicory foot fibre into milk powder applications, they say manufacturers can now meet consumers’ growing interest in products that promote the gut microbiome and digestive health.
This is a big step forward for Indonesia — the largest consumer market in Southeast Asia—where two thirds of consumers associate prebiotics with a healthy gut. More than half of Indonesians are also seeking out food and drink products that can improve digestive health. In fact, the top two health concerns among local consumers are immunity and digestive health — both of which are closely linked to the gut environment.
“We are pleased that the chicory root fibres inulin and oligofructose are the first prebiotics to be recognised by the Indonesia National Agency of Drug and Food Control. This ensures that
BENEO’s prebiotic chicory root fibre can be claimed appropriately, which makes it easier for consumers to make a conscious choice to support digestive health,” said Caroline Bustandi, Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs at BENEO Asia Pacific.
“This is especially key as close to a quarter of Indonesians found that the pandemic has made them more aware of their digestive health. We will continue working to support food and drink manufacturers in Asia Pacific to formulate products and to communicate about their respective health benefits for the sake of the consumers in the region.”
Proven to improve wellbeing
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that impact the gut microbiota by selectively promoting the number of naturally occurring good, beneficial bacteria in the intestine. A significant number of high-quality scientific studies have already established the efficacy of inulin and oligofructose in promoting the selective growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thereby supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing.
Inulin and oligofructose are also the only scientifically proven plant-based prebiotics. In comparison to other fibres that are synthetically produced, they are obtained from a natural source — chicory root — via a gentle hot water extraction. Additionally, both inulin and oligofructose belong to the few internationally recognised and confirmed prebiotics according to the International Scientific Association on Probiotics and Prebiotics. An EU approved health claim granted for BENEO and inulin, for instance, has confirmed its beneficial effect on digestive health and regularity.
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Kiran Grewal
Editor, International Bakery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@in-bakery.com
