Dow AgroSciences welcomes TACO BELL decision to use new High-stability Canola oil

UK - November 23, 2006

The announcement by Taco Bell, the leading US Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain, that it will convert to a next generation high-stability canola oil, has been welcomed by Dow AgroSciences.

Natreon, the new oil developed by Dow AgroSciences from its Nexera oilseed rape varieties will enable Taco Bell to maintain the unique taste that they are famous for, while offering more foods with less trans fat.

The new canola oil has unique attributes, including negligible trans fats, lower saturated fats, and a high level of heart-healthy omega-9 monounsaturated fats.

"We are seeing an increase in demand for this 'next generation' oil and it's our business to supply those great tasting healthier oils that our customers are asking for," said David Dzisiak, Global Oils Leader for Dow AgroSciences. "We applaud Taco Bell for recognizing the benefit of getting trans fat out of American diets."

The move is good news for UK growers too, according to Tim Hancock, Dow AgroSciences’ European seed manager.

“The drive for healthier oils is not just a US phenomenon, we are gaining similar interest across Europe,” said Mr Hancock. “This represents a great opportunity for growers to capitalise on new food markets opening up for UK produced oilseed rape.”

In addition to being great tasting, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced a health claim for canola oil, saying "limited and not conclusive evidence suggests that eating about 1 1/2 tablespoons (19 grams) of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in canola oil.  To achieve this possible benefit, canola oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.”

“With so much interest in oilseed rape as a healthy component of a healthy diet, it is frustrating to see so much interest being diverted to biofuel production,” said Mr Hancock.