Forbes Medi-Tech Inc announced that the European Union (EU) has approved a health claim for plant sterols in free or esterified form.

This recent Commission Regulation will enable products that incorporate Forbes patented cholesterol lowering ingredient, Reducol, to make a label claim that states 'Plant sterols have been shown to lower/reduce cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease'.

The EU Commission Decision, 2004/845/EC which authorized the use of Reducol in Novel Foods in the EU was included in the EFSA Opinion Q-2008-085, which recommended approval of the claim.

"The approval extends Forbes current cholesterol reduction claim and further validates the inclusion of Reducol in various food products," said Dr David Stewart, VP Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at Forbes.

Reducol is sold in various food products in the EU including margarine, yoghurts, yoghurt drinks, milk, and cheese.

Forbes Medi-Tech is a life sciences company focused on evidence-based nutritional solutions.