VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Functional Technologies Corp., a
world leader in yeast research and development, announced today that it has
developed, tested and filed patent applications for yeast technology that
reduces the formation of acrylamide, a carcinogen formed when starchy foods are
baked, fried or toasted. Recognized globally as a serious food safety issue
since 2002, acrylamide has been found in many widely consumed foods, including
bread, cookies, crackers, baby food, breakfast cereal, French fries and potato
chips.
Given the scale of the related opportunities, the company will be partnering
with companies in the yeast and food processing/manufacturing industries to
accelerate its proprietary yeast strain product development and
commercialization. Preliminary discussions have already been initiated with some
prospective partners. However, given the potential of the large volumes of yeast
required for numerous applications, the company believes there is sufficient
scope to work with multiple partners.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes acrylamide as a Group 2A
carcinogen, along with substances such as lead, creosotes, PCBs, diesel exhaust
and urethane. As well, California health officials recently proposed that
acrylamide be listed as a known reproductive toxicant, under Proposition 65, in
addition to its inclusion as a carcinogen since 1990. Acrylamide has also been
recently added to the candidate list for inclusion on the European Union’s
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) following a unanimous decision by an
expert EU health panel. Importantly, national food safety regulatory bodies and
the food industry have been cooperating closely on approaches aimed at reducing
acrylamide levels in processed foods.
“Acrylamide is a high-priority concern among consumers, the food industry and
health regulators around the world,” said Garth Greenham, president and COO of
Functional Technologies. “Preliminary lab testing is positive and we’re very
excited to utilize yeast, with its long history of use and familiarity in the
food industry, to help resolve this important health concern.”
More information about acrylamide and our yeast technology can be found at
www.functionaltechcorp.com; refer to the news section for our online acrylamide
media kit.
About Functional Technologies Corp.
Functional Technologies develops and commercializes proprietary technologies
that enhance the natural properties of yeast and algae nature’s microscopic
workhorses. Our scientists apply novel techniques to these micro-celled
organisms to resolve significant health and quality problems, and generate new
opportunities in the global food, beverage and healthcare industries. Our first
commercial products are our Phyterra line of proprietary yeast strains,
designed to reduce the formation of foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide and the
carcinogen urethane in wines and other fermented products. Our first target
market is the US$1.5 billion wine and distilled spirits yeast markets. With a
head office in Vancouver, Functional Technologies has research and development
facilities in Prince Edward Island and a U.S. sales office in Napa Valley,
California. For more information go to
www.functionaltechcorp.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking
statements about Functional Technologies Corp. (the “Company”) and its future
plans. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts,
and in this news release include the statements that the Company will be
partnering with both the yeast and food processing and manufacturing industries
to accelerate its proprietary yeast strain’s product development and
commercialization and the Company believes there are sufficient market
opportunities to work with multiple partners. The forward-looking statements in
this news release are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors
that could cause the Company’s actual results or achievements to differ
materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements.
These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation,
uncertainty as to the accuracy of certain assumptions made by management; and
general economic factors and other factors that may be beyond the control of the
Company. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and
expectations of the Company’s management at the time they are made, and the
Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements
if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances, should
change. Reference to the section entitled “Risks and Uncertainties” in the
Company’s management’s discussion and analysis relating to the fiscal quarter
ended November 30, 2009, which is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com.
Source:
Functional Technologies Corp.