Cargill introduces exceptional grade sunflower lecithin, Topcithin™ SF
MECHELEN, Belgium — 13 November 2008 — Cargill is introducing Topcithin™ SF, a clean label, non-GM, sunflower lecithin that does not require labeling as an allergen. Topcithin™ SF is commercialized in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, with distribution in the Americas following soon.
Topcithin™ SF is available in the high level grade “Premium” as offered by the Cargill Lecithin Toolbox, which is a grading system that helps food processors navigate through the complexities involved in the quality specifications of lecithins.
Cargill’s product and segregation systems are designed to address the risk of inadvertent cross-contamination by GM/soy/rape or other potential allergens. Cargill does this by maintaining full control of the supply chain from the sunflower seeds being crushed in the company’s Donetsk, Ukraine, plant to final processing on a dedicated line in Vigonza, Italy.
Clean label
Manufacturers will not only have a clean label, non-GM lecithin, but one that matches soy lecithin in functionality, taste and color. Topcithin™SF can also replace synthetically produced emulsifiers, such as ammonium phosphatide and citric acid esters of mono and di-glycerides, without compromising on performance, taste or appearance.
“Sunflowers are readily recognized and accepted by consumers, and as a consequence, SF lecithin gives manufacturers an attractive alternative to soy lecithin, without requiring allergen labeling,” said Lorna Macfadyen, confectionery category manager, Cargill Texturizing Solutions, Europe/Middle-East/Africa. “Topcithin™SF is an ideal solution for producing chocolate, chewing gum, sauces or instantized foods offering smoothness, fine texture and good emulsifying properties.”
Respecting nature
For European manufacturers looking to reduce import miles, the sunflowers for Topcithin™ SF are only grown in Europe. Production of the crude sunflower lecithin is done in Cargill’s plant in Donetsk, Ukraine. The sunflower hulls are then used in the Donetsk facility to produce steam and energy to run the plant. Purification and standardization takes place at the Vigonza plant in Italy.
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Further commercial information from:
Lorna Macfadyen: + 32 2 257 0700, lorna_macfadyen@cargill.com
Press contacts:
Christine Nicolay, Cargill: +32 15 401 929, christine_nicolay@cargill.com
Nikki Barber, Razor PR: +44 1869 353804, nikki.barber@razor-pr.co.uk
Cargill
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 160,000 employees in 67 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com
Cargill Texturizing Solutions
Cargill Texturizing Solutions is one of the world's leading suppliers of texturizers and emulsifiers to the global food and beverage industry. From design through development to manufacturing, Cargill Texturizing Solutions is committed to creating with its customers innovative new products for consumers to enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.cargilltexturizing.com.