Barley reduces heart risk

Cereals, breads and other products containing whole or milled barley can now claim to reduce the risk of heart disease, US health officials say.

The Food and Drug Administration's ruling allows companies to immediately begin advertising the benefit on their product packages, which many food makers hope will help boost consumer sales.

"Consumers can expect to see whole barley and dry milled barley products such as flakes, grits, flour, meal, and barley meal bearing the health claim," the FDA said.

To qualify, barley-containing foods must provide at least 0.75g of soluble fibre per serving, the agency said.

Paul Maass, marketing spokesman for ConAgra Foods, called the ruling an "affirmation of barley's nutritional value".

"Barley is a great ingredient," he said. "It's rich in nutrients and high in dietary fibre and can be used for a wide range of products."

About 13 million Americans are diagnosed with a heart condition, according to the American Heart Association.

In its submission to the Food and Drug Administration, the barley trade group said new data showed 3g of barley lowered cholesterol by about 5 per cent - similar to oatmeal.

Health claims on food reward "companies that make healthier products while we enforce the law against companies that appeal to consumers through false and misleading health claims", said the FDA deputy commissioner for medical and scientific affairs, Scott Gottlieb.

FDA regulations allow food manufacturers to submit data to support their petition. In the past, it has allowed health claims on products containing walnuts, tomatoes and omega-3 fatty acids.

- REUTERS