June 30/Tampa, Fla./Press Release -- Cott Beverages, a subsidiary of beverage company Cott Corporation, said its Star PhytoNutrients division has received patents from Gencor Nutrients which allows for, among other things, use of cranberry extract in its dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages.

The patents are owned by Rutgers University from Gencor Nutrients U.S., and the patent numbers are 6,608,102 and 6,720,353. The Rutgers team has identified a type of condensed tannin called proanthocyanidin (PAC) from cranberries that prevents certain bacteria in the urinary tract, stomach and mouth from adhering to cells in the body.

The group also discovered that this bacterial anti-adhesion effect was unique to cranberries and it may be due to the presence of unusual 'A-type' bonds found in their PAC molecules.

Cott Beverages Star PhytoNutrients division business development vice president Doug Lynch said the company is pleased to be associated with the important work done at Rutgers University.

"It once again emphasizes the commitment that we make to all of our customers: we provide our customers with access to the best in class research, intellectual property, marketing support, and demonstrable efficacy, associated with our botanical ingredients and services," Lynch added.

From the June 30, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.