ANKENY, IOWA — Cargill’s EpiCor® postbiotic ingredient has received a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The dried yeast fermentate ingredient was initially designed for use in the human food and beverage market but is now available in a formulation for pet nutrition products. EpiCor can support digestive and immune system health. With a GRAS rating from the FDA, the ingredient can now be widely incorporated in food and beverage products for humans and companion animals.

“This definition validates EpiCor® as a postbiotic,” said Liz Spence, general manager for EpiCor. “Having an internationally recognized definition is an important step in broadly bringing the benefits of postbiotics to consumers. As a leader in postbiotic technology, we are continually investing in research and innovation and EpiCor® postbiotic’s GRAS status helps to further demonstrate the safety of this platform.”

According to Cargill, the efficacy of its EpiCor postbiotic ingredient is supported by 15 published studies, of which eight included clinical trials on humans. The ingredient is also heat-stable and can manage various pH levels, the company stated.

“Increasingly, consumers are seeking food and beverages that offer better ways to support their health,” said Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Health Technologies. “Through our work in understanding and influencing the microbiome, Cargill is creating solutions like EpiCor^® postbiotic that support digestive and immune health at all stages of life and help both people and pets live more healthy days.” 

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