Midland, MI - November 15, 2006

The Dow Chemical Company has introduced a line of high performance, cellulose-derived soluble dietary fiber products marketed under the trade name FORTEFIBER™ Soluble Dietary Fiber.

The new line of products is ideal for use in certain food and nutritional supplement formulations to increase the soluble fiber content.  Consequently, it enhances their value as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Clinical data shows FORTEFIBER offers proven benefits in the management of health issues related to blood glucose and cholesterol.  With cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in industrialized countries, and diabetes the fourth-leading fatal disease globally, incorporating more sources of fiber into diets has become a priority of many health experts.

“FORTEFIBER is a custom-designed source of 100-percent-pure soluble fiber, which is an essential component of a diet that promotes cardiovascular and metabolic health,” said Don Coffey, global commercial leader for Dow’s Food Ingredients business.  “Compared to similar products on the market, FORTEFIBER delivers gram-for-gram maximum proven health benefits.”  

Extensive clinical studies, which are available to formulators to use in their own product label claims, have confirmed that FORTEFIBER helps maintain normal cholesterol, blood glucose and insulin levels.

For food and nutritional supplement manufacturers, the patented benefits of FORTEFIBER extend beyond the product’s advantageous health profile.  FORTEFIBER is available in a variety of grades and can be custom-designed to address specific texture needs or formulations — ranging from liquids to hard snacks.  This includes high-selling consumer items such as energy bars, cookies, biscuits, candy, and supplements in chewable or tablet form.  The new fiber product is non-allergenic and non-fermentable, eliminating common concerns with other sources of fiber. 

“Dow’s investment in developing and introducing a soluble fiber solution designed to help manage global nutritional and health issues supports the Company’s 2015 Sustainability Goals,” said Marty Kollmeyer, global business director for FORTEFIBER Soluble Dietary Fiber.  “In addition to the proven health benefits FORTEFIBER provides, it is derived from cellulose, which is a renewable resource.  By applying our science and technology expertise to this plant-derived material, we have created a soluble fiber product that may improve life for people globally.”

About FORTEFIBER

FORTEFIBER™ Soluble Dietary Fiber is a line of specialized dietary fiber products for the food and nutritional supplement industries.  Derived from cellulose, FORTEFIBER products are non-fermentable, non-allergenic, and have been shown to provide several health benefits in clinical studies.  A variety of product grades are available to offer formulating latitude for many applications in support of a healthy lifestyle.  For more information, please visit www.fortefiber.com

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

For Editorial Information:

Jennifer Sigsworth
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-1113

Elizabeth McDonnell
Gibbs & Soell PR
(212) 697-2600 ext. 247