ADM fattens up on healthy oil offerings

Archer Daniels Midland has launched a range of zero and reduced trans-fat oils and shortenings for use in margarine, baking, frying, confectionery, snack and cereal products.

The NovaLipid line meets demand for healthier products that are low in trans-fats, the fats blamed for increasing rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases. New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations will require trans-fats to be labeled on foods from 1 January 2006, prompting several ingredients firms to come up with new oil formulations that will not need to be highlighted on foods.

Paul B. Mulhollem, president and chief operating officer of ADM, said the move " demonstrates ADM's ongoing commitment to provide customers with innovative solutions for their formulation needs and to develop ingredients that deliver enhanced functional and nutritional benefits".

ADM​ is currently building a position in value-added products such as specialty food ingredients, bioproducts and nutraceuticals - such as Vitamin E and sterols. ADM, which recently set up a new unit for specialty oils and fats, also makes the Enova brand cooking oil, said to help combat obesity.

Weak soybean processing operations continue to take a toll with the closure of two soybean crushing plants over recent weeks.