Barley products can claim heart benefits: FDA   12-2005

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Cereals, breads and other products containing whole or milled barley grain can now claim to reduce the risk of heart disease, U.S. health officials said on Friday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ruling allows companies to immediately begin advertising the benefit on their product packages, which many food makers hope will help boost consumer sales.

"Consumers can expect to see whole barley and dry milled barley products such as flakes, grits, flour, meal, and barley meal bearing the health claim," the FDA said in a statement.

Paul Maass, marketing spokesman for ConAgra Foods Inc., praised the ruling, calling it an "affirmation of barley's nutritional value."

"Barley is a great ingredient," he said. "It's rich in nutrients and high in dietary fiber and can be used for a wide range of products."

While much of the crop is used for animal feed and beer, people can cook pearl barley as a rice-like dish. Barley flour and grains are also used in baking and in cereal.

Like other grains, barley contains fiber that health experts say can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, which can restrict blood flow and lead to chest pain and heart attacks.

The barely trade group, in its request, said new data showed 3 grams of barley lowered cholesterol by about 5 percent -- similar to oatmeal. The group could not be reached for comment.

Health claims on food reward "companies that make healthier products while we enforce the law against companies that appeal to consumers through false and misleading health claims," FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.

FDA regulations allow food manufacturers to submit data to support their petition. In the past, it has allowed health claims on products containing walnuts, tomatoes and omega 3 fatty acids.