Benexia™ Chia Seed has received Novel Food status* in the EU for use in bakery applications at a maximum level of 5% w:w, after much persistence and investment. Plans are now underway to expand the applications permitted as well as the Chia products that can be used. Currently the only Chia seed permissible for sale in the EU, Benexia seed will stay in the forefront of approved applications and types of Chia products that can be sold.
The dossier was introduced in 2006 by the Columbus Paradigm Institute S.A. in collaboration with Functional Products Trading S.A.
The popularity of whole grains is opening up doors for more novel, flavourful and lesser known types of grain. The newest star to emerge in the world of ancient grains is Chia.
Cultivated by the ancient Aztecs as a high-energy, endurance food, Chia is one of the richest plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote cardiovascular health. It also contains high levels of fibre, easy-to-digest protein, amino acids, vitamins, calcium and other minerals. Plus, it offers outstanding antioxidant value – Chia has a higher ORAC value than fresh blueberries.
Benexia™ Chia Seed is the only quality-certified Chia on the market, grown under Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBAL-GAP), and carefully selected under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and has achieved HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) international quality standards.
As a partner of the Columbus Paradigm Institute, Benexia offers food companies the opportunity to upgrade their branded products to a Columbus Concept Standard product, the healthiest scientifically validated category of food products.
*Opinion on the safety of “Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica L.)- and ground whole chia seeds” as a Food Ingredient – Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (Question No EFSA-Q-2008-008), adopted on 13 March 2009 (EFSA Journal 2009; 996:2-2).
