The branded probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 by Ohio-based ingredient company Ganeden has been certified non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project. The ingredient is used in many probiotics on store shelves, such as Purely Elizabeth’s granola, Suja’s functional waters, and MELT Organic’s spreads.
“Regardless of stance on the topic, the non-GMO movement and legislation are having a big impact on the food industry,” a Ganeden spokesperson told FoodNavigator-USA. “Although previously focused on finished products, there is now a push for a more critical look at individual ingredients themselves, which is why Ganeden took the steps to become verified.”
The spokesperson added that pursuing a non-GMO verification for the probiotic strain is “an example of the effects of the new non-GMO legislation and compliance discussions that are creating pressure from consumers and food manufacturers for ingredient suppliers to now earn verification.
“The proper labeling of GMOs has been in the spotlight over the past several years,” said Mike Bush, president of Ganeden and executive board president of the International Probiotics Association.
“Ganeden wants to ensure that manufacturers and consumers alike are aware that the use of GanedenBC30 ensures transparency, compliance with laws, and peace of mind. Becoming Non-GMO Project Verified is yet another example of our dedication to the probiotic market, our partners and their customers,” he added.
Stepping up probiotic innovation
Ganeden claims that its BC30 strain was the first to be fortified in food and beverages outside of the refrigerated dairy category.
“The survivability, efficacy and easy formulation of the strain has opened up endless opportunities for food and beverage manufacturers to add probiotics to products that were never able to include them before—leading to more than 500 launches in retail worldwide,” the company said.
Last spring, the company organized a jumpstart program to stimulate product innovation using BC30. The finalists, which exhibited their products at the IFT Show 2016 in Chicago in July, included a creamy, dairy-free spread by Red Lotus Foods, and protein energy balls by simplyFUEL.
The winner was AVOKE Spoonables, a line of vegan, avocado-based smoothie bowls served with a toasted quinoa topping.