NATION IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : An Oat Bran Sequel: Fat-Free Ice Cream

Government food researchers in Boston heralded the ultimate guilt-free dessert, oat bran ice cream. They said the nondairy treat will get its creamy consistency from a tasteless fat substitute, a gel made entirely from oats and dubbed Oatrim. The principal inventor, George E. Inglett of the Department of Agriculture’s research labs in Peoria, Ill., said that Oatrim could take the place of fat in cold foods such as mayonnaise, cheese spreads and salad dressings. He said he hopes the gel, which contains one calorie per gram, will be on the market within three years. The fat substitute Simplesse, approved by the Food and Drug Administration last month, is made from egg whites and dairy protein.