Dec 9, 2005 3:46 pm US/Central
Kellogg To Reduce Trans Fat In Products
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) ―
Starting early next year, some products made by Kellogg Co. will contain oils derived from genetically modified soybeans to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, the cereal maker said Friday.
The company will begin using Vistive, an oil made from St. Louis-based Monsanto Co.'s genetically modified soybeans that is low in linolenic acid, a trans fatty acid. Kellogg said it will be one of the first food manufacturers to use the oil to lower levels of trans fat and less harmful saturated fats in its products.
Trans fats are found in vegetable shortenings and in some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, salad dressings and other processed foods. Studies indicate trans fats contribute to higher levels of LDL cholesterol — the bad kind — which can raise the risk of coronary heart disease, which kills more than 500,000 Americans each year.
Due to a shortage of soybean oil that is low in linolenic acid, Kellogg will also work with the Bunge/DuPont Biotech Alliance to increase production of Nutrium, another low-linolenic soybean oil made from genetically modified soybeans.
Kellogg said it will begin using Nutrium in 2007.
The Battle Creek-based company did not specify the products that will be the first made with the oil. Kellogg's products include Keebler cookies, Pop-Tarts toaster pastries, Eggo waffles, Cheez-It crackers, Nutri-Grain breakfast bars, and Rice Krispies cereal.
Shares of Kellogg rose 5 cents to $43.96 while Monsanto shares gained 36 cents to $77.54 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
(© 2005 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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