Heinz Spreads Great Nutrition News; Heinz to Showcase Health Benefits of Lycopene and More at ADA Conference

Business Wire, Oct 16, 2002

Business Editors & Health/Medical/Food Writers

ADA FNCE

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) plans to announce new study research, host culinary demonstrations, unveil a brand new cookbook and spread the good news about the health benefits of lycopene at the 2002 American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition (ADA FNCE) in Philadelphia. The conference is scheduled to take place October 19-22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

For years, Heinz has been working with researchers to uncover all of the facts about the antioxidant lycopene, a cartenoid that gives tomatoes and watermelon their red hue. Participating in events such as the ADA FNCE is just one way that the company is spreading the word about the powerful health benefits of the antioxidant.

Great News!

Research from across the world suggests that a diet rich in lycopene helps to reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer, heart disease, and other ailments. H.J. Heinz Company has always supported lycopene research and has taken an active role in spreading the word about its benefits. Most recently, Heinz has underwritten research regarding the effects of lycopene on osteoporosis. Venket Rao, Ph.D. and Leticia Rao, Ph.D. of the University of Toronto will present their findings during a workshop on October 20 and a media lunch on October 21.

"Osteoporosis is a chronic, silent disease affecting so many post-menopausal women across the world," says Dr. Venket Rao. The disease has no warning symptoms. Age, lifestyle and family history are some of the risk factors attributed to osteoporosis and although several drugs are now approved for the prevention and treatment of the condition, some have undesirable side effects. "We have some promising research that indicates lycopene may have some effect on this disease and we look forward to sharing it," says Dr. Leticia Rao.

Great Tomato!

H.J. Heinz Company will also feature two culinary demonstrations at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Exhibit Hall on Sunday, October 20 at 12:30 p.m. and Monday, October 21 at noon. The demonstrations will feature recipes from the brand new cookbook "Great Tomato! 57 fabulous recipes for great taste and great health." Authors of the book, Certified Master Chef Byron J. Bardy and David Yeung, Ph.D., General Manager-Global Nutrition, H.J. Heinz Company will host the daily demonstrations and will be available after to answer questions about the cookbook and address nutritional queries.

"Great Tomato!" will be available to consumers beginning October 28 but is being previewed at the ADA FNCE. "We are very excited to debut the brand new cookbook at the ADA FNCE," says Byron Bardy. "Most importantly, we are thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase recipes high in lycopene and rich in taste," says Dr. Yeung. "Great Tomato!" will be available for purchase on-line at knowledgeinanutshell.com, barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Great Power!

Scientific research from across the world suggests that lycopene may help reduce the risk of several diseases and ailments. Each year, research reveals more ways that lycopene helps the human body. The biggest sources of lycopene in the North American diet are processed tomato products, such as Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Classico Pasta Sauces, Escalon and Bell 'Orto tomato products, and the growing palette of colored condiments in the Heinz EZ Squirt line (which has the same lycopene content as Heinz Ketchup.)

H.J. Heinz Company will be located at booth 818 throughout the duration of the show. The Exhibit Hall will be open Sunday, October 20-Tuesday, October 22. Heinz will be on-site these days distributing samples of product and information. Dr. Yeung and other Heinz representatives will also be available to answer questions and discuss nutritional aspects of products.

About Heinz

With sales approaching US$10 billion and a pantheon of icon brands, H. J. Heinz Company is one of the world's leading marketers of high quality ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant foods to consumers everywhere, whether in supermarkets, restaurants or on the go. Its 50 companies operate in some 200 countries, with more than 20 power brands, including the Heinz(R) brand with nearly US$3 billion in annual sales. Among the company's famous brands are Heinz(R), StarKist(R), Ore-Ida(R), 9-Lives(R), Wattie's(R), Plasmon(R), Classico(R), Smart Ones(R), Bagel Bites(R), Delimex(R), Poppers(R), John West(R), Petit Navire(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), Pounce(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Orlando(R), ABC(R), Olivine(R), Jufran(R) and Pudliszki(R). Heinz also uses the famous brands Weight Watchers(R), Boston Market(R), TGIF(R) and Linda McCartney(R) under license. Information on Heinz is available at http://www.heinz.com.

Available for Interviews:

Dr. David Yeung, General Manager -- Corporate Nutrition, H.J. Heinz Company

Byron J. Bardy, Certified Master Chef

This press release is also available at www.jackhorner.com.