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Indonesia approves prebiotic claim for inulin and oligofructose

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2 min read
AUTHOR: Stef Bottinelli
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Following BENEO’s research into the health effects of inulin and oligofructose and the company’s work with Indosian authorities, The National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) has approved a prebiotic claim for chicory root fibres. Inulin and oligofructose are now the first and only ingredients recognised as prebiotics in the country. 

The claim is approved under the milk powder category for the general population, which includes healthy people above the age of three. The dose of inulin and oligofructose required to be added to milk powder to promote digestive health is a minimum of 4.5 g/L on a ready-to-drink basis – a 30:70 ratio. 

There is an increasing demand in prebiotics in Indonesia — with two thirds of consumers showing an interest in foods and drinks that promote gut health.

“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 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.”

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that impact the gut microbiota, promoting 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 .

Extracted from the chicory root using a hot water method, inulin and oligofructose are the only scientifically proven plant-based prebiotics.

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