Kemin’s clean label oil-soluble green tea extract receives GRAS certification

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The GT-FORT oil-soluble green tea extract is heat stable and will not negatively impact sensor attributes or precipitate in the oil, or precipitate in the oil. Pic: ©GettyImages/Pranee Tiangkate

The North American ingredient manufacturer’s clean label oil-soluble green tea extract has been recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as ‘generally recognized as safe’.

The FDA determines GRAS through scientific procedures of ‘generally available and accepted scientific data, information or methods’ and requires consensus among qualified experts to the accuracy of that information.

According to Kemin Industries, its GT-FORT extract can replace synthetic antioxidants in a range of bakery and snack applications, which can then carry a clean label.

Green tea is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, which stem from the plant’s inherent flavonoids, according to Harvard Medical School.

“We are working to help educate manufacturers on the need to replace less desired ingredients with clean label solutions, and not eliminate vital ingredients such as antioxidants from products,” said Courtney Schwartz, marketing director of Kemin Food Technologies.

Consumer friendly

Kemin claims the extract also offers a slower oxidation and a longer shelf life, while maintaining brand consistency.

The extract is also heat stable, so it will not negatively impact sensory attributes.

 “GT-FORT is a consumer-friendly antioxidant solution to help maintain the stability and shelf life of fat-containing foods,” added Schwartz.

These plant oils contain catechin esters, which have been shown to extend shelf life by delaying oxidative byproducts in fats, oils, emulsions and other high aqueous foods. Kemin describes the green tea version as ‘highly effective’ in extending shelf life.

GT-FORT joins the Des Moines, Iowa-based company’s portfolio of plant-based oils and clean-label ingredients, including Fortium RVC, which can be used as an alternative to traditional tocopherols in bakery and snacks applications.