August 19, 2003

Dale Lindquist
President & CEO
Fiberstar, Inc.
3023 15th Street S.W.
Willmar, MN 56201-9670

Dear Mr. Lindquist,

As requested, I am providing my expert opinion on the potential allergenicity of Enhanced Natural Fiber™, a product marketed by Fiberstar, Inc.

In my opinion, Enhanced Natural Fiber™ presents essentially no allergenic risk to consumers. Enhanced Natural Fiber™ is composed of citrus pulp fiber and guar gum. As a food ingredient, guar gum has no history of causing allergic reaction. Citrus fruits are reported to cause occasional allergic reactions, but citrus fruits are not among the most commonly allergenic foods. Allergic reactions to citrus fruits are both rare and typically mild. Furthermore, no reports exist of allergic reactions to citrus pulp; the few reports involve reactions to the fruit and not the pulp. The protein content of Enhanced Natural Fiber™ is appreciable (approx. 10%), but the usage level of this ingredient in typical formulations is comparatively low. For these reasons, I do not believe that Enhanced Natural Fiber™ is likely to pose any allergenic risk even to the few citrus-allergic consumers in the population.

Additionally, if Enhanced Natural Fiber™ is labeled as recommenced, the presence of a citrus-based ingredient would be readily identifiable on the ingredient statement and individuals with allergies to citrus fruits would likely avoid the product.

You have my permission to share this letter with prospective customers and regulatory authorities if necessary.

Sincerely,

Steve L. Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor and Co-Director