Mars, Incorporated Awarded AOAC International's 2013 Multi-Laboratory Study Of The Year Award For First-of-its-Kind Cocoa Flavanol Research

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Aug 27, 2013, 09:00 ET

Specific Method is Critical for Measuring Cocoa Flavanols in Products

CHICAGO, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated, received the 2013 Multi-Laboratory Study of the Year award from AOAC International for a first-of-its-kind study designed to provide detailed information about composition of cocoa flavanols, a plant nutrient shown to have a range of proven human health benefits. The award recognizes a multi-laboratory study and method that demonstrates unique and noteworthy scientific achievements. Mars accepted the award at the 127^th AOAC Annual Meeting & Exposition which was held August 25-28 in Chicago.

The award-winning study was validation of the Mars-developed method Flavanol and Procyanidin (by Degree of Polymerization 1-10) Content of Chocolate, Cocoa Liquors, Powder(s), and Cocoa Flavanol Extracts (AOAC Official Method 2012.24), a method for analyzing the complex mixture of flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa-based products. Twelve collaborating laboratories including academic, industrial and commercial institutions participated in the validation study, which was published in the Journal of AOAC International in July/August 2012.

This award is further demonstration of Mars' commitment to cocoa flavanol research and collaboration. Mars has innovated in the field of cocoa flavanol science for over 20 years, taking a comprehensive and systematic approach to researching cocoa flavanols' role in supporting human health, while inspiring others to conduct research that expands the overall scientific understanding of cocoa flavanols. Flavanols are one of the most studied phytonutrients today, but until this award-winning study, there has been no standard, validated approach for the analysis of these compounds in foods. With a validated standard method in place, the scientific community and industry will be able to measure flavanol content in a consistent way, creating a uniform language for communicating with each other and with the public. For consumers, this means more consistent package labels that make it easier to make informed decisions.

"Mars is honored to receive this award from AOAC, as we believe it represents our long-standing committment to high-quality cocoa flavanol research and strong collaborative partnerships," said Dr. Catherine Kwik-Uribe, Research & Development Director at Mars. "We've been advancing cocoa flavanol research for more than 20 years. We're proud of our cocoa flavanol research as we know it can have a profound impact on the health of people around the world."

In addition to this study, Mars has also developed two additional methods for determining the amounts and forms of flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa products that AOAC International, a not-for-profit scientific association assisting in the validation of analytical methods worldwide, has designated as "First Action Official Methods."

The approved analytical methods have been designated as "First Action Official Methods," meaning they are open for use in labs worldwide. These methods will remain First Action for two years, during which time the protocols will be used by Mars, industry, government and regulatory laboratories and communities. AOAC's expert review panels (ERPs) will monitor performance and feedback from users during the two year period and determine whether the two methods should be recommended for Final Action. Once approved for Final Action, methods become Official Methods of Analysis, meaning they are internationally recognized as authoritative and used in a wide range of testing by food, pharmaceutical and environmental companies. Official Methods of Analysis are an integral part of product labeling.

Applying gold standard scientific methods, Mars' ongoing commitment to research in the field of cocoa flavanols is represented by the publication of more than 140 scientific papers and approximately 100 patents worldwide. Mars studies show cocoa flavanols have a range of proven health benefits in humans, including improved circulation and cardiovascular health.

About AOAC
AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, 501(c)(3), independent, third party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization founded in 1884. When analytical needs arise within a community or industry, AOAC is the forum for finding appropriate science-based solutions (through the development of standards). AOAC's extensive membership and volunteer base is made up of government agencies, academia, international organizations, contract research organizations, rapid assay developers, high technology providers and instrument manufacturers. AOAC industry partners represent a broad spectrum of interests including foods and beverages, dietary supplements, infant formula, feeds, fertilizers, soil and water, veterinary drugs and pharmaceuticals.

About Cocoa Flavanols
Cocoa flavanols refer to the group of phytonutrients found naturally in cocoa beans. Cocoa is an especially rich source of flavanols and the type and mixture of flavanols and procyanidins found in cocoa is unique. Research has provided consistent evidence of the benefits of cocoa flavanol consumption for cardiovascular health. For more information, please visit Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science at www.marscocoascience.com.

About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated has innovated and elevated the field of cocoa flavanol science with over 20 years of extensive and comprehensive research to advance overall scientific understanding of cocoa flavanols, while inspiring additional research into the role of cocoa flavanols in supporting human health. As part of this commitment to cocoa flavanol research, Mars established the Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science, a comprehensive resource for scientists, healthcare professionals and others that provides access to the latest scientific research on cocoa flavanols.

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a "mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders" – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 72,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

For more information, please visit http://www.mars.com. Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars.

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated