Cargill Launches Whole Grain Corn Line

NEW YORK - Mar 9/05 - SNS -- Cargill Dry Corn Ingredients launched the MaizeWise line of whole-grain corn and corn-bran products for use by food manufacturers.

It includes three whole-grain corn and two corn-bran products that can be used can be used as a direct replacement for existing corn meal, masa or corn flours in cereal, pasta, breads, tortillas, taco shells, extruded snacks, and other corn-based products.

"MaizeWise corn bran is an insoluble fiber that can dramatically boost dietary fiber at low-to moderate inclusion rates," said Mike Van-Houten, Cargill DCI research & development manager.

The company said the product is a response to U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommendations that half of Americans' daily grain servings come from whole-grain foods. The guidelines state "diets rich in whole grains are associated with reduced risk of type II diabetes and coronary heart disease and may help with weight maintenance."

Similarly, the Committee cited fiber's role in reducing type II diabetes and coronary artery disease risk. As a result of these findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is promoting daily consumption of at least three servings of whole grain and an intake of 14 grams of dietary fiber per 1,000 calories consumed.