May 20/La Grange, Ill./Press Release -- Canadians can soon purchase foods with Cognis’ Heart Choice® phytosterols that help to reduce cholesterol levels. A recent ruling by Health Canada now allows Cognis’ natural plant sterol and sterol esters to be used in food products.
In June 2009, when Cognis submitted a Novel Food application, phytosterols were only approved for use in dietary supplements. The Novel Food approval includes criteria for the use of a health claim for cholesterol lowering, as well.