Wrigley's Orbit(R), Extra(R) and Eclipse(R) Sugar-Free Chewing Gums Awarded American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance

CHICAGO, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company today announced its Orbit(R), Extra(R) and Eclipse(R) sugar-free chewing gums have earned the universally trusted American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Orbit, Extra and Eclipse are the first and only gums in the U.S. to earn this recognition because they are clinically proven to help fight cavities, strengthen teeth and reduce harmful plaque acids. The ADA Seal makes clear that chewing Wrigley's Orbit, Extra and Eclipse sugar-free gums can help maintain good oral health.

"We're proud to lead the industry by being awarded this important recognition," said Bill Wrigley, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "Wrigley has been championing the oral health benefits of chewing gum for nearly 20 years. Now the ADA Seal of Acceptance makes perfectly clear to dental professionals and consumers that chewing Wrigley's Orbit, Extra and Eclipse sugar-free gums is a convenient and portable way to help maintain and improve oral health."

The ADA's Seal of Acceptance has been a respected symbol of safety and effectiveness for more than 75 years. The organization awarded its Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley after a thorough analysis of nearly 20 years' worth of independent scientific research which demonstrated chewing Wrigley sugar-free gums helped to protect dental health. Both clinical and laboratory studies underwent rigorous review by the ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs, with assistance by staff scientists and some of its more than 100 expert consultants.

"We congratulate Wrigley for being the first chewing gum manufacturer to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance," said ADA Executive Director Dr. James B. Bramson. "When you see the ADA Seal on the package of a dental product, you can rest assured that an independent team of experts has evaluated scientific evidence and has concluded the product meets the ADA's criteria for safety and effectiveness and provides oral health benefits. Now, consumers know that if they chew gum that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, they are actually doing more for their oral health than just freshening their breath."

Beginning in November packages of Orbit, Extra and Eclipse will feature the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and will be supported with print ads in major magazines, online ads and consumer promotions plus outreach to the nations' dental professionals.

Orbit, Extra and Eclipse sugar-free chewing gums and the ADA qualification process

To be considered for the ADA's Seal of Acceptance, products must withstand demanding review in a variety of areas. Among other things, manufacturers must:

-- Supply objective data from laboratory and clinical studies that support the product's safety, effectiveness and promotional claims -- Submit ingredient lists for review and approval -- Provide evidence that manufacturing and laboratory facilities meet ADA standards

Other products that have been awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance include toothbrushes and toothpastes, dental floss, and mouth rinses. For optimal oral health, the ADA recommends brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and seeing their dentist regularly.

The Benefits of Chewing

Obtaining the ADA Seal of Acceptance for Wrigley's Orbit, Extra and Eclipse sugar-free gums is in addition to Wrigley's ongoing commitment to advancing and sharing scientific research that explores the benefits of chewing gum. Through the Chicago-based Wrigley Science Institute, which works with independent researchers at leading institutions to learn more about the potential health and wellness benefits of chewing gum, Wrigley is pursuing four key scientific areas: how gum can help reduce situational stress; help manage weight; help increase focus, alertness and concentration; and improve oral health.

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at http://www.ada.org/.

About Wrigley

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has global sales of nearly $4.7 billion and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands -- Wrigley's Spearmint(R), Juicy Fruit(R), and Altoids(R) -- have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint(R), Life Savers(R), Big Red(R), Boomer(R), Pim Pom(R), Winterfresh(R), Extra(R), Freedent(R), Hubba Bubba(R), Orbit(R), Excel(R), Creme Savers(R), Eclipse(R), Airwaves(R), Solano(R), Sugus(R), P.K.(R), Cool Air(R) and 5(TM).

Brian Wright Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company 312.645.3057 Brian.Wright@wrigley.com Marla Saret Edelman 312.233.1320 marla.saret@edelman.com Lydia Hall American Dental Association 312.440.2641 halll@ada.org