U.S. permits use of additional Bunge shea ingredient; expands options for food customers
Bunge Loders Croklaan, recently received a “no questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice for a new shea ingredient. The FDA letter effectively allows the use of shea olein—the soft fraction of shea butter—in the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of U.S. products including baked goods, snacks, spreads, sauces, frozen dairy desserts and more.
“Bunge Loders Croklaan is excited to expand its U.S. portfolio with the soft fraction of shea butter—a non-GMO ingredient that delivers high-stability and excellent mouthfeel in bakery, confectionery, and prepared foods,” said Tyronna Capers, director of marketing. “This new product also links directly to our shea processing facility in Ghana and our shea sustainability program in West Africa—‘Where Life Grows’—which was set up with the objective to empower woman shea collectors, create socio- economic value in their communities, and conserve and regenerate the shea landscape.”