Contact: Amanda Aranowski
 Phone: +1.651.454.7250
 E-mail: aaranowski@scisoc.org

AACC Forms Committee to Develop
Definition of Glycemic Carbohydrates 

St. Paul, Minn. (October 25, 2004) — The American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) Board of Directors has approved the formation of an ad hoc “Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee” to develop a science-based definition of glycemic carbohydrates.

The committee’s objective is to provide a measurable definition that will enable manufacturers to communicate the glycemic response in grams per serving of food. This information will help consumers better understand how the carbohydrate content of a given food will affect blood sugar levels. Different approaches are used around the world, with some countries using “glycemic index.” In the U.S., the amount of high glycemic (or net) carbohydrate is often calculated by subtracting low glycemic carbohydrate from total carbohydrate and displayed on food packages outside the nutrition facts panel. Inconsistencies occur with different foods, manufacturers, and regions because there is no generally accepted definition.

“AACC members have identified a need to develop a universal, science-based definition for glycemic carbohydrates,” said Julie Jones, chair of the Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee. “We need an agreed upon label that accurately transmits the concept to consumers and is consistent across all food labels,” she said.

AACC has extensive experience in developing definitions and supporting methods of analysis for carbohydrates, including work on oat bran and dietary fiber. AACC has taken a proactive stance on the glycemic issue by first offering a low-carb workshop in May 2004, forming a low-carb taskforce, and holding a low-carb issues forum and a carbohydrate labeling symposium at AACC’s annual meeting in September 2004. Feedback from these events will be utilized by the Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee. The committee also plans to gather additional input from online forums, from AACC's various sections around the world, and from collaboration with other groups including the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and IFT.

AACC is an international organization of professionals who contribute to the research, development, and processing of grains and grain-based products.

©AACC International - 3340 Pilot Knob Road - St. Paul, MN 55121 U.S.A.
Phone: +1.651.454.7250 or Fax: +1.651.454.0766
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Copyright |  Contact AACC International  |  Webmaster