Benexia® Xia oil concentrates the most valuable nutrients of the Chia seed: its omega-3 ALA and
its precious Antioxidants. It is the richest source of omega-3 ALA found in nature.
When used in formulation, Chia oil will increase the total fat content, while achieving omega-3
claims, without increasing the saturated fats content. It will balance your product’s lipid profile,
increasing the polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats while balancing the omega-6/omega3 ratio.
What claims can be made when I use this product in the USA?
The “High in omega-3” claim can be used when the product contains at least 320 mg of ALA per
RACC: 0,53g of chia oil per 100 g (0,53%) of product will provide 320 mg of Omega-3 ALA.
This is by FDA nutritional claim regulation 79 FR 23262 at 23269.
What claims can be made when I use this product in Europe?
By EFSA´s nutritional claim (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006):
The “Source of Omega-3” claim can be used when the product contains at least 0,3 g alphalinolenic acid per 100 g and per 100 kcal: 0,5 g of Chia oil per 100 g (0,5%) provide 0,3 g (300 mg)
ALA.
The “High in Omega -3” claim: A claim that a food is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and any claim
likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains
at least 0,6 g alpha-linolenic acid per 100 g and per 100 kcal: 1g of chia oil per 100g (1%) provides
0,6 g (600 mg) ALA
By EFSA´s Health claim (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012):
“ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels”.
This claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of ALA as referred to in the claim
SOURCE OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake
of 2 g of ALA.
What are the Structure/Function Claims in USA?
These claims describe the role of a nutrient or ingredient on the structure or function of the
human body. These may appear on the labels of foods, dietary supplements or drugs.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that diets that includes Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) may:
• Improve heart and cardiovascular health*
• Support immune system*
• Promote healthy skin, hair and nails*
or prevent any disease.
What is the Regulatory Status of Chia Oil in Europe?
EU authorized uses of chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) in different food and beverage categories are the
following:
| SPECIFIED FOOD CATEGORY | MAXIMUM LEVELS |
| Fats and oils | 10% |
| Pure chia oil | 2g/day |
| Food Supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46/EC |
Is it GRAS (US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe)?
Benexia® Xia Oil is a cold-press Benexia® Black Chia LM (Salvia hispanica L.) and packaged under
food grade packaging materials. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers chia a
food, not a food additive, making it exempt from GRAS regulation.
In conclusion, there is a very favorable regulatory environment to consider Benexia® Chia Oil as
new Omega-3 plant-based source for foods and beverages in the natural, clean label and functional
arena.