April 21/Life Science Weekly -- Ganeden Biotech Inc., maker of the patented probiotic strain GanedenBC30=AE, announced the launch of a new probiotic milk line by Guernsey Farms Dairy, a family owned and operated dairy processing facility located in Northville, MI. The new line is the first to incorporate GanedenBC30 and is one of only a handful of probiotic-enhanced milk lines currently available to consumers.

The new line includes half-gallon reduced-fat and fat-free varieties. In addition to being fortified with GanedenBC30, the milk is also free of all growth hormones. The new products are currently available at a variety of southeast Michigan grocery retailers, including: Arbor Farms, Busch's Markets, Hiller's Markets, Plum Markets, Holiday Markets, Hollywood Markets, Oakridge Markets, Nino Salvaggio Marketplaces and Value Center Markets, with further expansion planned for the near future.

"With this new line, we are excited to have the opportunity to not only provide new high-quality dairy products to the public, but products that can also play a role in promoting improved digestive and immune health when incorporated into a healthy diet," said Tom Rice, marketing director for Guernsey Farms Dairy. "Now consumers who enjoy our milk can have the added health benefits of probiotics without having to take a supplement."

Probiotics are "good bacteria" that have been shown to improve digestive health and support immunity. Unlike many probiotic strains, GanedenBC30 is unique in its ability to survive harsh manufacturing processes, including those used in milk processing. The survivability and viability of GanedenBC30 can be attributed to the naturally-occurring layer of organic material that protects the genetic core of the bacteria.

"We have been interested in collaborating on a probiotic-enhanced milk line for some time, and have found the perfect partner in Guernsey Farms Dairy," said Ganeden Biotech CEO Andrew Lefkowitz. "We look forward to continuing to work with Guernsey Farms Dairy to expand distribution of this new probiotic milk line to make these delicious and healthy products available and accessible to an even greater number of consumers."

From the April 26, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition