EU approves baobab fruit for market

LONDON, July 16 (UPI) -- The European Commission has approved the sale of baobab as an ingredient in cereal bars and smoothies.

The fruit from the African baobab tree is exceptionally high in vitamin C and an excellent source of calcium and iron, PhytoTrade Africa said.

Baobab required government approval because of EU legislation stating that any food no eaten in Europe prior to 1997 must gain special approval before it can used in products for the European Market.

A 2007 report by Britain's Natural Resources Institute estimates baobab has the potential to be a billion-dollar industry for Africa and could employ over 2.5 million households, PhytoTrade said in a news release.

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