The company expects the EU approval of rosemary extracts as safe, effective food preservatives to encourage many more food manufacturers to include the natural antioxidant in their products.

Although research has long since documented the antioxidant properties of Danisco's GUARDIAN® Rosemary Extract, the European Commission's recent publication of new directives marks the first legal recognition of the benefits in the EU.

Jørgen Sørensen, Global Business Director for Danisco's natural extracts, views the development as a significant step forward in meeting the growing consumer demand for more natural products.

"Rosemary is a popular herb with a highly positive image among consumers. This is a major competitive advantage for food manufacturers who choose to use rosemary extract to preserve their products' high quality," he says.

The applications specified by the EU directives include fats and oils, bakery products, meats, dehydrated soups and potatoes, and nutritional supplements, such as fish oils. The directives additionally clarify that "dietary exposure resulting from the proposed uses and use levels were of no safety concern", confirming EFSA's scientific opinion of rosemary extract safety, issued in March 2008.