Whey Protein Isolate Granted GRAS

Whey protein isolate and dairy product solids have gained the green light from federal authorities as generally recognized as safe products.

The granting of GRAS status stems from an effort by the Chicago-based American Dairy Products Institute originally seeking the action roughly a decade ago.

ADPI revisited the issue last fall by informing FDA officials that the dairy organization regarded the products as GRAS and planned to promote and market them in that manner. FDA officials said they found no reason to counter ADPI's assessment.

Since the initial filing, FDA altered its methods for determining GRAS status.

The dairy industry can use--without government objection--whey protein isolate as a high-quality protein in high-energy food and beverage products as well as a gelation aid in yogurts and pudding and as an emulsifier in ice cream and margarine.

FDA also has been communicating with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service about using the products in non-standardized meat or poultry products, ADPI leaders said.

"FSIS has advised that these two products may be used at levels up to 3.5% as binders in various non-standardized meat and poultry products," ADPI CEO Warren Clark Jr. said during the organization's recent annual meeting in Chicago.

"We now will be following up on this matter with FSIS representatives to determine whether any further action is required under the statutes that FSIS administers to include whey protein isolate and dairy product solids in meat and poultry products" Clark said.

Last year, Davisco Foods International filed a patent for its hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, which is used in sports drinks, nutritional supplements and infant formulas.

Last week, experts discussed whey's possibilities during the International Dairy Foods Assn.'s Cultured Dairy Products Conference in Las Vegas. (See related article).

Edited by Gerry Clark