ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 10, 1996 TAG: 9604100036
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
However you word it, it's not too appetizing
CINCINNATI - Procter & Gamble Co. is asking the government to ease the proposed labeling rules on snacks made with its fat substitute olestra to soften graphic descriptions of side effects that could be a consumer turnoff.
But a consumer group says the label should be even more explicit.
The Food and Drug Administration approved olestra Jan. 24 as a calorie-free ingredient in salted snacks but suggested a requirement that such foods carry a warning saying: ``Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E and K have been added.''
P&G said it prefers this wording: ``Because it is not digested, olestra may cause discomfort or a laxative effect.''
The Center for Science in the Public Interest told the FDA there should be more warnings - not fewer - about olestra's possible gastrointestinal side effects. The label should warn of possible diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, gas and bloating, the center said.
Olestra is a synthetic chemical made from sugar and vegetable oil but adds no calories or fat to foods. It looks like regular fat, but its molecules are too large to digest, so it passes through the body unabsorbed.
- Associated Press
Rail-car fleets continue to grow
The nation's freight rail-car fleet grew for the second straight year in 1995, according to the Association of American Railroads. The trade group said the freight-car fleet totalled 1.2 million as of Jan. 1, up 2 percent from 1.19 million a year earlier.
The nation's largest railroads also have increased their locomotive fleet, from 19,227 to 19,867. A total of 905 new locomotives were added to the fleet last year, 51.8 percent more than a year earlier and the most since 1980.
- Staff report
Briefly ...
H&C Coffee Co. of Roanoke has opened the H&C Roaster Outlet to sell packaged coffees from around the world. The store is at the company's roasting plant in Statesman Industrial Park.
CS Holding AG, the second-largest Swiss bank, said Tuesday it has offered to merge with No.1 Union Bank of Switzerland. The Union Bank board will meet Thursday to discuss the proposal, a spokeswoman said. CS Holding is the parent of Credit Suisse, CS First Boston Group Inc. and other banks.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB