Edible chew for oral use by infants and young children

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article, also referred to as an edible chew, which can be applied to oral use by infants and young children, especially during teething and / or for soothing, as well as to a method of manufacture of this edible chew.

Description

[0001] Edible chew for oral use by infants and young children

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an article, also referred to as an edible chew, which can be applied to oral use by infants and young children, especially during teething and / or for soothing, as well as to a method of manufacture of this edible chew.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] The teething period is a difficult time in the life of a baby, and parents wish to help the baby with the pain. Different attempted solutions are available commercially, but they act either on biting needs orthe pain and do not address both needs. For example, a numbing gel is hard to apply and does not last very long. Paracetamol / acetaminophen is a drug and should not be administered frequently to a baby. Teething biscuits like Bickiepegs can pose a choking hazard and are hard for a baby to hold. A plastic toy can help for biting but does not relieve pain, and furthermore the plastic toy can leach a toxic chemical or break into pieces of plastic.

[0006] Moreover, edible chews for dogs are known, but such edible chews are not suitable for a infants and young children. For example, the function of these known edible chews for dogs is cleaning teeth, whereas an edible chew for a human baby should massage the gums of the infants and young children. Furthermore, the known edible chews for dogs are too big and too heavy to be held by the hand of a six-month old human baby. The known edible chews for dogs have a formulation containing ingredients which do not allow for baby consumption in a teether.

[0007] WO 2021 / 059026 describes an edible a chew which is formulated for oral consumption by a infants and young children and includes an expanded pre-gelatinized cereal flour matrix. EP 0 862 863 discloses a dried, ready-to-eat cereal product comprising a gelatinized starch matrix which includes a coating or filling which contains a probiotic micro-organism, wherein the cereal product may be in the form of a pet food, a breakfast cereal, an infant cereal or a convenience food. A starch-based extruded product which are suitable as dog chew is described in WO 2004 / 039173.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention is defined in the appended claims and thus relates to an article, also referred to herein as an edible chew, comprising at least one cereal flour, at least one plasticizer and milk powder, wherein the article comprises a first part extending into a first direction, a second part extending into a second direction and a third part extending into a third direction, wherein each of the first, second and third directions extend from a common origin.

[0010] In addition, the present invention concerns a method of making the article of the present invention, the method comprises : forming a dry mix comprising at least one cereal flour and milk powder; adding water and at least one plasticizer to the dry mix to form a dough; shaping the dough to form an article; and heating said article to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferable at least 110°C, preferably not more than 150°C, preferably for at least 2 minutes, but preferably not more than 12 hours.

[0011] The present invention furthermore relates to a method of (i) providing teething support to infants and young children who are teething and / or (ii) soothing, calming and / or delivering an active ingredient to infants and young children, wherein the method comprises administering the article as defined herein to the infants and young children.

[0012] Description of the Figure

[0013] Figure 1: A) Article according to the invention before baking. B) After baking Detailed description of the invention

[0014] The article of the present invention

[0015] The present invention relates to article comprising at least one cereal flour, at least one plasticizer and milk powder, wherein the article has a particular shape as set out in the following. The article of the present invention may also be referred to as an edible chew.

[0016] Shape

[0017] The article of the present invention has a shape that can have a diameter allowing infants and young child to hold the article of the present invention and place the article of the present invention in their mouth.

[0018] The term "infant" means a child above the age of 4 months and under the age of 12 months. The expression "young child" means a child aged between one to three years, also called toddler.

[0019] The average thickness of the article, preferably in the direction orthogonal to the plane in which the first, second and third directions extend, is typically in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the article has an overall maximum length in the range of from 40 to 100 mm, preferably 50 to 90 mm, more preferably 55 to 80 mm, even more preferably 55 to 70 mm.

[0021] Furthermore, the article typically has an overall maximum width in the range of from 10 to 50 mm, preferably 20 to 40 mm.

[0022] The shape of the article of the present invention comprises a first part extending into a first direction, a second part extending into a second direction and a third part extending into a third direction, wherein each of the first, second and third directions extend from a common origin. The common origin is preferably the point where the center lines of each of the first part, the second part and the third part intersect. It is preferred that the first part has an average width exceeding each of the average width of the second part and the average width of the third part.

[0023] Preferably, the first, second and third directions and the common origin are in the same plane. The angle between the second and third directions is typically in the range of from 60 to 120°, preferably 70 to 110°, more preferably 80 to 100°, even more preferable 85 to 95°, most preferably about 90°. Preferably, the angle between the first and second directions is in the range of from 110 to 160°, preferably 115 to 155°, more preferably 120 to 150°, even more preferable 125 to 145°, most preferably about 135°. Furthermore, the angle between the first and third directions is preferably in the range of from 110 to 160°, more preferably 115 to 155°, even more preferably 120 to 150°, still more preferable 125 to 145°, most preferably about 135°.

[0024] It is preferred that the article extends into the first direction to a maximum length which is 5.0 to 1.1 times, preferably 4.0 to 1.2 times, more preferably 3.0 to 1.4 times, even more preferably 2.5 to 1.5 times, such as about 2 times, the maximum length into which the article extends into the second direction. It is furthermore preferred that the article extends into the first direction to a maximum length which is 5.0 to 1.1 times, preferably 4.0 to 1.2 times, more preferably 3.0 to 1.4 times, even more preferably 2.5 to 1.5 times, such as about 2 times, the maximum length into which the article extends into the third direction.

[0025] The first part typically has a length in the range of from 30 to 70 mm, preferably 35 to 65 mm, more preferably 40 to 60 mm. The width of the first part is generally in the range of from 5 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0026] The first part typically has a thickness in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm. The thickness is understood as being orthogonal to the plane in which the first, second and third parts mainly extend.

[0027] The first part may correspond to a handle part, which is configured to be held by a infants and young children. One or both of the second and third parts may be bent away from the first part. The handle may be straight, bent or circular.

[0028] Preferably, the handle part has a length in the range of from 30 to 70 mm, preferably 35 to 65 mm, more preferably 40 to 60 mm. The handle part preferably has a width in the range of from 5 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0029] For example, the handle part has a thickness in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm.

[0030] As regards to the second part or the third part, it is preferred that it has a length in the range of from 10 to 40 mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm.

[0031] The thickness of the second part is typically in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm.

[0032] More preferably, the second and third parts are bent away from the first part and form a curved part, which may have the form of a circle segment. The curved part is preferably configured to be put into the mouth of a infants and young children so as to preferably contact at least part of each of the upper and lower gumlines of the infants and young children.

[0033] In other words, the article may be described as having a half-moon shape and a handle.

[0034] The article of the present invention is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane which is orthogonal to the main plane of the article and contains the center line of the handle par, or the centerline of the first part, respectively.

[0035] For example, the article of the present invention may be having a Y-shape, in which the first, second and third parts correspond to the three extremities visible in the letter Y.

[0036] Thus, the second and third parts preferably form a curved part which is attached to the handle part at one end of the handle part and is configured to be put into the mouth of the infants and young children so as to preferably contact at least part of each of the upper and lower gums of the infants and young children.

[0037] The shape of the curved part is not particularly limited and may be selected from a U shape, a V shape. It is understood that the expression "half-moon shape" is linked to the curved part and therefore encompasses the U shape or the V shape of the curved part.

[0038] It is to be understood that the lowest point of the shape of each letter (U or V) is preferably attached to the handle. The curved part, formed from the second and third parts, typically has a width in the range of from 10 to 45 mm, preferably 10 to 40 mm, more preferably 15 to 40 mm. The curved part preferably has a thickness in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm. The curved part may represent a segment of not more than 50%, preferably not more than 40%, more preferably not more than 30%, even more preferably not more than 25% of a circle.

[0039] Thus, the article of the present invention preferably has an ergonomic shape. The article of the present invention is preferably sized and shaped to be held by and consumed by infants and young children, and the size and the shape of the article of the present invention can have dimensions depending on the age of the intended recipient. For example, the article of the present invention is preferably sized and shaped such that the infants and young children can easily pick up the article of the present invention with small fingers that are still developing their pincer grasp and other fine motor skills. Once grasped, the article of the present invention can be readily retained in the child's fingers due to the shape of the article of the present invention. The article of the present invention preferably does not have any large ridges, large grooves, or large undulations.

[0040] In addition, the shape of the article of the present invention preferably reduces a risk of choking or prevents choking for a child eating the article of the present invention.

[0041] More precisely, the article of the present invention can be described as having a shape exhibiting a handle part, which is configured to be held by a infants and young children, and a curved part which is attached to the handle part at one end of the handle part and is configured to be put into the mouth of a infants and young children so as to preferably contact at least part of each of the upper and lower gumlines of the infants and young children.

[0042] The curved shape typically has a U shape or a V shape, wherein the lowest point of the shape of each letter is preferably attached to the handle.

[0043] As used herein, the length typically indicates extensions of the respective parts extending away from the common origin of the respective parts, wherein the common origin may also be considered as the central position at which the handle part is attached to the curved part, or wherein the common origin may also be considered the position of a Y in which the three extremities meet. As used herein, the width typically indicates the average extension in a direction which is orthogonal to the direction of the length but in the main plane of the article (the main plain typically being the plane in which each of the parts of the article mainly extend). As used herein, the thickness preferably indicates a direction which is orthogonal to each of the directions of the length and width. The direction in which the thickness is to be measured may be described as being the direction which is orthogonal to the plane of a baking tray on which the article is typically baked. In other words, the direction in which the thickness is to be measured may be described as being the direction which is orthogonal to the plane in which each of the first, second and third parts extend.

[0044] The shape of the article of the present invention as set out herein allows both sides (of the half-moon shape, second and third parts, respectively) to go into the mouth, which give variety and facilitate the transverse tongue reflex. This may help with oral development of tongue lateralization. The tongue draws back to push against the half-moon shape at the top. Due to the shape, the article may engage a child a long time. Since distraction is an alternative to sucking, the shape will likely help soothing. A child may also suck on the handle end, which may thus function as a soother / pacifier as well. The shape allows the child to put both ends in. When children are teething and exploring, they need to learn where the gag reflex is, and how to move their tongue laterally to move pieces to their gums for chewing. The benefit of the soother / pacifier comes from sucking, and the shape may allow some sucking for comfort, while encouraging different oral patterns to develop. Thus, the shape encourages tongue movements, transverse tongue movements, gnawing on gums and may further encourage oral motor exploration and tongue movement. The shape can encourage the tongue movements and jaw movements for learning to eat solids.

[0045] The weight of the article according to the invention is not particularly limited, yet typically, is in the range of from about 5 g to about 15 g, preferably 6 to 13 g, more preferably 7 to 12 g, even more preferably 8 to 11 g, still even more preferably 9 to 10 g.

[0046] Core composition The article according to the invention comprises comprising at least one cereal flour, at least one plasticizer and milk powder.

[0047] The plasticizer is preferably selected from the group consisting of glucose, glucose syrup, glucose syrup powder, glycerol and combination thereof, preferably from glucose syrup powder, glycerol and combination thereof.

[0048] It is preferred that the plasticizer is present in an amount of 2 to 25 wt.-%, more preferably 2 to 20 wt.-%, even more preferably 2 to 15 wt.-% based on the total weight of the article.

[0049] The cereal flour is not particularly limited and can, for example, be selected from rice flour, wheat flour, corn flour, barley flour, sorghum flour, and millet flour. The cereal flour is more preferably wheat flour. It is preferred that the cereal flour is present in an amount of 40 to 90 wt.-%, more preferably 45 to 80 wt.-%, even more preferably 45 to 70 wt.-% based on the total weight of the article.

[0050] It is preferred that the article has a moisture content of 4 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 4 to 14 wt.- %, more preferably 4 to 13 wt.-%, still more preferably 4 to 12 wt.-%. In other words, the article typically has a water activity not greater than 0.7, preferably in the range of from 0.3 to 0.7, more preferably 0.3 to 0.65, such as about 0.3 to 0.60, as measured (measured at 25°C with a ROTRONIC device.

[0051] The article comprises milk powder. It is preferred that the milk powder is present in an amount of 1 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt.-%, even more preferably 1 to 7 wt.-% based on the total weight of the article.

[0052] By "milk", it is understood full cream milk, semi-skimmed milk or skimmed milk. For example, skimmed milk is a milk comprising less than 2.0 wt. %, preferably less than 1.5 wt. % fat.

[0053] Thus, the article more preferably comprises:

[0054] - 40 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 45 to 80 wt.-%, more preferably 45 to 70 wt.-% cereal flour, - 1 to 15 wt.-%, 1 to 10 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 7 wt.-% milk powder, and

[0055] - 2 to 25 wt.-%, preferably 2 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt.-% plasticizer. The article is edible. In other words, the article of the present invention doesn't comprise plastic or pharmaceutical drugs.

[0056] The article of the present invention preferably does not have a spongy or flexible texture. The article of the present invention has a texture that is hard but convenient in the mouth, slow to dissolve, and dissolves in small pieces instead of chunks. For example, the article of the present invention preferably dissolves in greater than 5 minutes. More preferably, the article of the present invention dissolves in greater than 10 minutes, greater than 15 minutes, or even greater than 20 minutes. Even more preferably, the article of the present invention does not dissolve. The texture, which is typically rougher than in prior art teethers, encourages chewing by a child and helps the child practice chewing.

[0057] Optional components

[0058] The article optionally comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from active ingredient, natural plasticizer, fibers, carbohydrates, fat, antioxidant, leavening agents, flavoured ingredient, proteins, or combinations thereof.

[0059] By "an active ingredient", it is understood an ingredient selected from the list consisting of a vitamin, a mineral, chamomile, lavender, a cooling sensate such as menthol, a micronutrient, a nutraceutical, a prebiotic, a probiotic, a protein, an amino acid, an essential oil, a homeopathic ingredient, or a pharmaceutical.

[0060] By "natural plasticizer", it is understood apple juice concentrate, lactose or another short chain carbohydrate.

[0061] By "fibers", it is understood soluble fibers, insoluble fibers or a combination thereof. Soluble fibers may include, for example, one or more of fructooligosaccharides, acacia gum, and inulin. Insoluble fibers may include, for example, pea outer fiber.

[0062] By "carbohydrates", it is understood an ingredient selected from the group consisting of sucrose, lactose, fructose, corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, starch, modified starch, amylose starch, high amylose starch, tapioca starch, corn starch, and mixtures thereof. By "fat", it is understood vegetable fat (such as olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, soy oil, palm oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or lecithins), animal fat (such as milk fat), or any combinations thereof.

[0063] By "antioxidant", it is understood an ingredient selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A, beta-carotene (a Vitamin A precursor), Vitamin Bl, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, coenzyme Q10 ("CoQlO"), flavonoids, glutathione, Goji (wolfberry), hesperidin, lactowolfberry, lignan, lutein, lycopene, polyphenols, selenium or mixtures thereof.

[0064] By "flavoured ingredient", it is understood a fruit such as banana, a vegetable such as spinach or beet juice, a herb or a spice.

[0065] By "leavening agent", it is understood an ingredient selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, yeast or combinations thereof.

[0066] By "protein", it is understood a protein selected from the group consisting of soybean protein isolate, pea protein isolate, whey isolate, rice protein isolate, their protein concentrate forms or combinations thereof.

[0067] Advantageously, the article of the present invention can further comprise at least one of Vitamin Bl, Vitamin D or calcium. For example, the article of the present invention can comprise about 70 mg of calcium and / or about 20% of the dietary recommended intake of calcium for an infant or toddler, the dietary recommended value of calcium for an infant or toddler, the estimated average requirement of calcium for an infant or toddler, the recommended dietary allowance of calcium for an infant or toddler or the reference nutrient intake of calcium for an infant or toddler.

[0068] The article of the present invention may contain a potential food allergen, such as nuts, for early tolerance introduction of a child. Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is an article of the present invention that has a nutritious paste filling.

[0069] The article of the present invention preferably does not contain any preservatives, for example does not contain any butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, sodium sulfite, sulfur dioxide, propyl paraben, potassium sorbate, calcium propionate or any other preservative. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the article of the present invention and further comprising an additional holder configured to attach to the article of the present invention. An advantage provided by a reusable holder or reusable stick in combination with the article of the present invention is that it can house the last piece of the article of the present invention to prevent a child eating the article of the present invention from eating the last piece of the article of the present invention.

[0070] The invention additionally relates to a product comprising a packaging and the article of the present invention therein. For example, the present invention relates to a product comprising a container housing a plurality of the articles of the present invention, wherein the plurality of articles of the present invention are individually packaged. The article of the present invention can be individually packaged, for example in a packaging that can be sealed to retain the texture during shelf life of the article of the present invention. The packaging can include storage instructions and / or safe use instructions, such as age and milestone depictions. For example, the packaging can include indicia, such as text and / or graphics, that indicates one or more of: the article of the present invention should be administered to a infants and young children who is seated and supervised, supervised use of the article of the present invention is required, and the article of the present invention should be disposed when the article of the present invention becomes the same size as the child's hand. Optionally a packaging insert in the interior of the packaging can provide teething information and / or product information. The usage instructions on the packaging can state that the packaging should be opened shortly before to the time of consumption of the article of the present invention.

[0071] A plurality of individually packaged articles of the present invention can be provided to the consumer in a container, for example a box that holds a plurality of individually packaged articles of the present invention, such as twenty-four packaged articles of the present invention. Preferably the plurality of articles of the present invention are substantially identical to each other, for example substantially the same size, the same shape and the same texture relative to each other. The article of the present invention preferably dissolves slowly to provide long-lasting chewing comfort to a child. Furthermore, by its shape and composition, it is designed for healthy teething and safe and gentle for emerging teeth of a child but also it is designed to be used as a soother by preventing helplessness, anxiety and / or frustration of a child.

[0072] Yet another advantage of the article of the present invention is the fact that it is gum friendly. As used herein, gum friendly is intended to mean a baby chew that is: noncariogenic; promotes health balance of oral microflora; soothing to the gums and oral surfaces; stimulating to the gums and oral surfaces; non-irritating to the gums and other oral surfaces; cleaning to the gums and other oral surfaces; massaging to the gums and other oral surfaces; supporting tooth eruption; designed for gnawing, chewing, and / or bruxism; or combinations therefrom.

[0073] Another advantage provided by the present invention is an article of the present invention that has a validated safety profile and / or is safe to provide to a baby even without constant supervision. The article of the present invention can achieve all three of physical safety, developmentally appropriate, and assists behavioral development, for a child.

[0074] Non-therapeutic use of the article of the present invention

[0075] The article of the present invention is preferably used as a teether and / or as a soother. For example, the article of the present invention can be used as a teething tool for stimulating gums of a child, while releasing one or more nutrients and / or as a soother to prevent helplessness, anxiety and / or frustration of a child.

[0076] Thus, the present invention provides a method of (i) providing teething support to a infants and young children who is teething and / or (ii) soothing, calming and / or delivering an active ingredient to a infants and young children, the method comprising orally administering the article of the present invention to the infants and young children.

[0077] The article of the present invention can be chilled or frozen, for example to provide cooling to gums of a teething infants and young children consuming the chilled or frozen article of the present invention. Thus, the article of the present invention is preferably administered while having a temperature at or less than ambient temperature. More preferably, the article is administered while frozen.

[0078] The article of the present invention can be used for soothing, calming and / or relief of discomfort, pain or stress for a child. For example, the article of the present invention can be used for treating or preventing inflammation, improves oral microbiota, provides teething support (e.g., for erupting teeth), provides stress relief, improves mood, stimulates brain activity, provides oral-motor benefits such as assisting language development, enhances motor development such as hand-eye coordination, and / or has less hygiene issues relative to other multi-use products.

[0079] For example, the article of the present invention can be provided as a teething support to a child in need thereof (e.g., an infant or toddler). As another example, the article of the present invention can be provided to a child (e.g., an infant or toddler) to sooth the child, calm the child, and / or deliver an active ingredient to the child.

[0080] The article of the present invention can also be administered to a infants and young children no longer teething, for example to soothe and / or calm the child (e.g., relieve one or more of crying, anxiety or other distress).

[0081] Manufacture of the article of the present invention

[0082] The present invention also relates to a method of making the article of the present invention. The method typically comprises: forming a dry mix comprising at least one cereal flour and milk powder; adding water and at least one plasticizer to the dry mix to form a dough; shaping the dough to form an article; and heating said article to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferable at least 110°C, preferably not more than 150°C, preferably for at least 2 minutes, but preferably not more than 12 hours. The water added to the dry mix preferably has a temperature in a range of from 30 to 50 °C, more preferably 35 to 45°C.

[0083] Shaping the dough can be implemented by different well-known methods in the state of the art such as extrusion, lamination, lamination and cutting, lamination and molding, shearing and extrusion.

[0084] Preferably, shaping the dough to form an article is done by lamination of the dough and cutting or molding the laminated dough into the desired shapes.

[0085] Advantageously, the lamination of the dough is done at least one time, preferably at least two times and more preferably at least three times.

[0086] The heating of said article can be done by different well-known methods in the state of the art such as in an oven, by using a micro-wave, radio frequency.

[0087] The heating of said article is preferably carried out to a temperature in the range of from 100 to 140°C, more preferably 105 to 130°C, even more preferably 105 to 120°C, still more preferably 110 to 120°C.

[0088] The heating of said article is preferably carried out for a duration of 2 minutes to 10 hours, preferably 2 minutes to 7 hours, more preferably 2 minutes to 6 hours, still more preferably 2 minutes to 5 hours.

[0089] The method can further comprise a drying step implemented after the heating step.

[0090] The drying can be done can be done by different well-known methods in the state of the art such as microwave and radio frequency.

[0091] For example, the article of the present invention can be obtained by extrusion. For example, the dough can be dynamically prepared in an extruder with the injection of water and plasticizer into the extruder while the dry mix is introduced therein and / or processed therein. In the extruder, the dough can be prepared while shear is imparted within the extruder barrel. Preferably the extruder has a plurality of successive barrels, and the temperature increases in one or more of the barrels adjacent the die through which the cooked dough exits, relative to the prior barrels. For example, the barrel at the exit end of the extruder can be heated to a temperature of about 120 °C, and one or more of the prior barrels can be heated to a temperature of about 80 °C. The temperature increase at the exit end of the extruder can cause sudden and extensive formation of gas in the dough, resulting in expansion of the dough at both a microscopic and macroscopic level as bubbling gas attempts to escape the material.

[0092] Definitions

[0093] The following definitions apply throughout the present specification and the claims, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0094] As used herein, the terms "optional", "optionally", "can", "preferred", "preferably" and "may" denote that the indicated feature may be present but can also be absent. Whenever the term "optional", "optionally", "can", "preferred", "preferably" and "may" is used, the present invention specifically relates to both possibilities, i.e., that the corresponding feature is present or, alternatively, that the corresponding feature is absent.

[0095] As used herein, unless explicitly indicated otherwise or contradicted by context, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". Thus, for example, a composition comprising "a" compound of formula (I) can be interpreted as referring to a composition comprising "one or more" compounds of formula (I).

[0096] It is to be understood that wherever numerical ranges are provided / disclosed herein, all values and subranges encompassed by the respective numerical range are meant to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention specifically and individually relates to each value that falls within a numerical range disclosed herein, as well as each subrange encompassed by a numerical range disclosed herein.

[0097] As used herein, the term "comprising" (or "comprise", "comprises", "contain", "contains", or "containing"), unless explicitly indicated otherwise or contradicted by context, has the meaning of "containing, inter alia", i.e., "containing, among further optional elements, ...". In addition thereto, this term also includes the narrower meanings of "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of".

[0098] All percentages are by weight of the total weight of the respective composition unless expressed otherwise. Similarly, all amounts and all ratios are by weight unless expressed otherwise. When reference is made to the pH, values correspond to pH measured at 25 °C with standard equipment.

[0099] As used herein, "about," "approximately," "essentially" and "substantially" are understood to refer to numbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably -5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably -1% to +1% of the referenced number, most preferably -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. Any values set out herein are to be understood as being preceded by "about", even where not explicitly indicated.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "food," "food product" and "food composition" mean a product or composition that is intended for oral ingestion by a human or other mammal (e.g., does not contain any plastic) and comprises at least one nutrient for the human or other mammal. "Mammal" includes but is not limited to rodents; aquatic mammals; domestic animals such as dogs and cats; farm animals such as sheep, pigs, cows and horses; and humans. The term "mammal" also applies to any animals that are capable of the effect exhibited or intended to be exhibited by the context of the passage.

[0101] The term "edible chew" means a food product, preferably a nutritional composition and preferably a snack, that requires a longer chewing time before the product can be ingested, relative to a standard comestible product. The term "edible chew" and "article" are used interchangeably herein. Preferably the edible chew requires at least five minutes of chewing by a infants and young children before the portion of the edible chew intended for consumption is ingested, for example ten minutes to thirty minutes of chewing by a infants and young children before the portion of the edible chew intended for consumption is ingested or even twenty minutes to thirty minutes of chewing by a infants and young children before the portion of the edible chew intended for consumption is ingested. The invention will now be described by reference to the following examples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention.

[0102] EXAMPLES

[0103] Materials used

[0104] 1. Recipes

[0105] Different recipes have been assessed. The objective of the trials was to obtain a safe, hard, and long-lasting product throughout shelf-life. The recipes below were produced under same process conditions.

[0106] Comparative Example A

[0107] The prototype made with this recipe was found to break too easily and didn't melt. Thus, it presents a very high choking hazard risk. Example 1 according to the invention

[0108] Two levels of glycerol were tested: 5% and 10%

[0109] The addition of glycerol in the recipe at both levels facilitated the manufacturing process making the dough denser, easier to manipulate, to laminate and to mold. Both samples were assessed through tasting and physical measurements.

[0110] Example 2 according to the invention

[0111] Two levels of glucose syrup powder were tested: 10% and 15%:

[0112] Both products when baked yielded extremely hard products. Both samples were assessed through tasting and physical measurements.

[0113] 2. Process

[0114] The process to produce the articles according to examples 1 and 2 and comparative example A is as follows: forming a dry mix comprising at least one cereal flour and optionally one milk powder; adding water and at least one plasticizer to the dry mix to form a dough, where the water has a temperature comprised between 30°C and 50°C; shaping the dough to form an article by lamination, wherein the lamination of the dough is carried out consequently 3 times; and heating said article in an oven to a temperature in the range of from 100 to 140°C, and for a duration comprised between 2 minutes and 5 hours.

[0115] 3. Physical-chemical characterization

[0116] 3.1 Water activity and moisture

[0117] Data was collected on two different days. The baking profile used on both occasions is summarized in the following table.

[0118] The moisture distribution and the water activity activity (Moisture oven drying at 102°C per 3 hours and Rotronic at 25°C, respectively) of Examples la and 2a are shown in the following table : 3.2 Texture analysis Example la was evaluated using a mouthpiece in a texture analyzer (100 cycles of compression using a baby's gum-shape probe in a TA.HDplusC, 50 Kg loading cell). Example la broke at 90 N after 30 cycles whereas the competitor product Enoulite broke at 60 N after 30 cycles.

[0119] Resistance to breakage after soaking the samples in saliva-like enzymatic solution for different periods of time was tested for Example la. The results are shown in the following tables.

[0120] The following table shows the average max force (three-point bend) of Example la at different soaking times of enzymatic solution:

[0121] The following table shows the average max (three-point bend) force of Example la at different resting times after being soaked for 15 minutes in enzymatic solution. These data show the improved safety of the article according to the invention because they show that, even after partial consumption of the article by a child or infant, the article stays hard with a average force max (N) above 100, leading to avoid any choking hazards.

[0122] Further samples were evaluated using the force max (TA.HDplusC using three point bend method, 50 Kg loading cell). The following table shows force max (three bend point) of Comparative Example A and Examples 1 and 2.

[0123] These data show the improved safety of the article according to the invention because they show that the articles according to the invention are much more harder than the comparative example and therefore, lead to avoid any break and thus to avoid any choking hazards.

[0124] 4. External Feeding Expert Assessments

[0125] The products obtained for Comparative Example A and Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated by external feeding development experts as well as by an internal expert.

[0126] For Comparative Example A, it was concluded that it breaks too easily and does not melt. Thus, it present a very high choking hazard risk.

[0127] For Example la, it was concluded that it does not break easily, nor melt easily. It took a very large amount of pressure to break off pieces, so safety was much improved. Given hardness, it was not considered to present a relevant choking hazard. For Example 2a, the experts concluded that it was very difficult to chew and did not melt. The sample was harder than for Example 1. Given hardness, it is not considered to present a relevant choking hazard.

[0128] Thus, overall, the experts agreed on safety being much improved for Examples 1 and 2 over Comparative Example A.

[0129] As regards the Y-shape, the experts noted that the Y shape allows both sides to go into the mouth, which give variety and can activate the transverse tongue reflex leading to help with oral development of tongue lateralization. The tongue draws backto push against the U shape at the top. It will likely engage a child a long time. Since distraction is an alternative to sucking, the Y-shape will likely help soothe too.

[0130] In addition, the Y allows the child to put both ends in. When children are teething and exploring, they need to learn where the gag reflex is, and how to move their tongue laterally to move pieces to their gums for chewing. The benefit of the soother / pacifier according to the invention comes from sucking, and this would allow some sucking for comfort, while encouraging different oral patterns to develop.

[0131] It can thus be said that the Y shape according to the invention encourages tongue movements, transverse tongue movements, gnawing on gums and encourage a great deal of oral motor exploration and tongue movement.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An article comprising at least one cereal flour, at least one plasticizer and milk powder wherein the article comprises a first part extending into a first direction, a second part extending into a second direction and a third part extending into a third direction, wherein each of the first, second and third directions extend from a common origin.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the common origin is the point where the center lines of each of the first part, the second part and the third part intersect and wherein the first, second and third directions and the common origin are preferably in the same plane.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, two or three of the following are fulfilled:(i) the angle between the second and third directions is in the range of from 60 to 120°, preferably 70 to 110°, more preferably 80 to 100°, even more preferably 85 to 95°, most preferably about 90°;(ii) the angle between the first and second directions is in the range of from 110 to 160°, preferably 115 to 155°, more preferably 120 to 150°, even more preferably 125 to 145°, most preferably about 135°;(iii) the angle between the first and third directions is in the range of from 110 to 160°, preferably 115 to 155°, more preferably 120 to 150°, even more preferably 125 to 145°, most preferably about 135°.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the second and third parts are bent away from the first part and preferably form a curved part, which may have the form of a circle segment, wherein the curved part preferably has a U shape or a V shape, wherein the lowest point of the shape of each letter is preferably attached to the handle.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part corresponds to a handle part, which is configured to be held by a infants and young children, wherein,preferably, the second and third parts form a curved part which is attached to the handle part at one end of the handle part and is configured to be put into the mouth of a infants and young children so as to preferably contact at least part of each of the upper and lower gums of the infants and young children.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first part has an average width exceeding each of the average width of the second part and the average width of the third part, wherein the ratio of the average width of the first part to the average width of the second and third parts is preferably in the range of from 5:1 to 1.1:1, such as 4:1 to 1.2:1, 3:1 to 1.3:1, or even 2:1 to 1.4:1.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the article has an average thickness comprised in the range of from 4 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 13 mm, more preferably 5 to 12 mm.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first part has a length in the range of from 30 to 70 mm, preferably 35 to 65 mm, more preferably 40 to 60 mm.

9. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the curved part has a width in the range of from 10 to 45 mm, preferably 10 to 40 mm, more preferably 15 to 40 mm.

10. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glucose, glucose syrup, glucose syrup powder, glycerol and combination thereof, preferably from glucose syrup powder, glycerol and combination thereof.

11. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cereal flour is selected from rice flour, wheat flour, corn flour, barley flour, sorghum flour, and millet flour.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the article comprises:- 40 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 45 to 80 wt.-%, more preferably 45 to 70 wt.-% cereal flour,- 1 to 15 wt.-%, 1 to 10 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 7 wt.-% milk powder, and- 2 to 25 wt.-%, preferably 2 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt.-% plasticizer.

13. A method of making an article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: forming a dry mix comprising at least one cereal flour and milk powder; adding water and at least one plasticizer to the dry mix to form a dough; shaping the dough to form an article; and heating said article to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferable at least 110°C, preferably not more than 150°C, preferably for at least 2 minutes, but preferably not more than 12 hours.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein shaping the dough to form an article is done by lamination of the dough and cutting or molding the laminated dough into the desired shapes.

15. A method of (i) providing teething support to a infants and young children who is teething and / or (ii) soothing, calming and / or delivering an active ingredient to a infants and young children, wherein the method comprises administering the article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to the infants and young children.

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