Burcon NutraScience Corporation
Burcon Announces GRAS Status for Puratein(R) & Supertein(TM)
Vancouver, Canada (ots/PRNewswire)
Burcon NutraScience Corporation (TSX-V: BU) announced today that its Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) 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(R) and Supertein(TM) are the first canola protein isolates to have attained GRAS status in the United States. GRAS status permits Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) to be marketed and used in a variety of mainstream foods and beverages for human consumption.
Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) 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(R) 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(R) include dressings, meat substitutes, baked goods and protein bars, among many others.
Supertein(TM) is a canola protein isolate with functional properties including excellent solubility, the ability to form transparent solutions and foaming. Applications for Supertein(TM) 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(R) and Supertein(TM), 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(R) and Supertein(TM) are self-affirmed GRAS. Burcon and ADM have chosen to also pursue GRAS notification for Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM). 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(R) and Supertein(TM) canola proteins are considered GRAS from today's date for the intended applications.
For more information about Burcon view our new website at http://www.burcon.ca
About Burcon NutraScience
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(R) and Supertein(TM). Canola, recognized for its nutritional qualities, is the second-largest oilseed crop in the world after soybeans. Burcon's goal is to develop Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) 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.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Johann F. Tergesen"
Johann F. Tergesen
President & Chief Operating Officer
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of the content of the information contained herein. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding the prospect for future success depend upon our ability to develop and sell products, which we do not produce today and cannot be sold without further research and development. When used in this press release, the words "goal," "intend," "believes" and "potential" and similar expressions, generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the development of a source of protein from canola meal, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.
For further information: Jade Cheng, Chief Financial Officer, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, +1-604-733-0896/(888)408-7960 toll-free, jcheng@burcon.ca, http://www.burcon.ca; AXINO AG: Sven Olsson, Investor Relations Europe, Konigstrasse 26, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany, Tel. +49-711-25-35-92-30 / Fax +49-711-25-35-92-33, olsson@axino.de, http://www.burcon.net
Contact:
For further information: Jade Cheng, Chief Financial Officer, Burcon
NutraScience Corporation, +1-604-733-0896/(888)408-7960 toll-free,
jcheng@burcon.ca, AXINO AG: Sven Olsson, Investor
Relations Europe, Konigstrasse 26, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany, Tel.
+49-711-25-35-92-30 / Fax +49-711-25-35-92-33, olsson@axino.de