GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES NEW OIL -- COULD LOWER CHOLESTEROL

                                                               
                                            Release No. 0252.97
                                                               
                                   Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623
                                              ltrivers@usda.gov
                                     Maria Bynum (202) 720-5192
                                           maria.bynum@usda.gov



GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES NEW OIL -- COULD LOWER CHOLESTEROL

     WASHINGTON, July 30, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the discovery of an oil -- developed by agriculture researchers --
that is expected to have significant health benefits for consumers. 

     The oil is developed from corn fiber, a low-value by-product of the
industrial process that converts corn into sweeteners, starch and fuel grade
ethanol.  The corn fiber is now used in animal feed.

     "People frequently ask me why we should spend money on agriculture
research -- and here's just one of the reasons.  This oil, the result of
agriculture research, will have a significant affect on improving our
nation's health," Glickman said.       

     USDA researchers isolated the oil from the corn fiber, primarily the
outer hull or seed coat of the kernel.  Conventional corn oil comes from a
different part of the corn kernel called the germ.

     Robert Moreau, Robert Norton and Kevin Hicks, research chemists with
USDA's Agricultural Research Service, discovered the new oil.

     In recent animal trials conducted by Robert Nicolosi of the University
of Massachusetts, the oil significantly lowered the serum cholesterol and
LDL cholesterol in hamsters.  And, researchers believe this oil could
produce similar results for people.

     Private industry will now develop commercial products from the oil. As
with any newly developed food or pharmaceutical product, the corn fiber oil
products will have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 
     
     As required by the licensing agreement, any products must be
manufactured in the United States -- creating jobs and furthering the
benefits of agriculture research dollars for the American people.

     Moreau and Hicks conducted their research at the ARS Eastern Regional
Research Center in Wyndmoor, PA.  Norton works out of the agency's National
Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill.

     
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