Across the Nutraverse: EHPM on HoA report, Canada’s shifting NHP regulations, CoQ10 in China, and more
Europe: EHPM responds to recent HoA report
The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) authored a guest article for us to highlight the federation’s concerns with a recent report from the Heads of Food Safety Agencies (HoA) in Europe that highlights about 13 ingredients in food supplements, including melatonin, piperine, and curcumin deemed to be high risk.
The article, which can be read HERE, explained what the HoA is, summarized the findings of its most recent report on food supplements, and then outlined EHPM’s concerns with the report and its recommendations.
Specifically on the Report, EHPM is concerned about:
1) A potential misleading use of Art. 8 of Reg. 1925/2006 procedure
2) Overstepping of Food Safety Agencies’ Remit
3) Disproportionate Approach Based on Hazard Rather Than Proven Risk
4) Gathering Safety Data and Post-Market Surveillance
North America: The changing regulatory landscape in Canada
Over the past nine years, Canada has seen a marked increase in governmental authority and intervention in the natural products industry, and Health Canada’s current trajectory is aiming to align the regulation of NHPs (Natural Health Products—the Canadian term for dietary supplements) with that of pharmaceuticals, a shift that has sparked considerable debate and concern within the industry.
“The current regulatory environment in Canada poses significant challenges for the NHP or dietary supplement industry. The stringent and often opaque regulatory processes have led to uncertainty and confusion, particularly regarding compliance and enforcement. The lack of clear guidance and the absence of coordinated timelines for regulatory changes have left many in the industry struggling to adapt,” wrote Aaron Skelton, President & CEO of the Canadian Health Food Association.
“For American stakeholders and the broader international community, understanding these developments in Canada is essential.”
To read the full article on NutraIngredients-USA, please click HERE.
USA: ZBiotics raises $12 million in funding to expand line of GMO probiotics
Biotechnology company ZBiotics said it will used the new funding to continue research and development around genetically modified probiotics, meet growing consumer demand and spearhead retail expansion.
Zbiotics, which bills itself as the creator of the world’s first genetically engineered probiotics, said genetic engineering allows it to address biological problems arising from contemporary living.
“In a market that craves real solutions, we've shown that being a proudly GMO company prioritizing transparency resonates with consumers, driving ZBiotics' momentum,” said Dr. Zack Abbott, PhD, co-founder at Zbiotics. “With these funds, we aim to meet demand and expand the ZBiotics product line beyond our flagship product."
ZBiotics is exploring solutions that will address a range of concerns like sleep, vaginal health and athletic performance. The company’s second product will be launching in the coming weeks and will focus on microbial diversity in the gut and its related benefits.
To read the full story, please click HERE.
China: CoQ10 in high demand but gross margin is low, says Kingdomway
After reporting that total revenue was down slightly by 1.8% to US$214.3m, and net profit attributable to shareholders also decreased 29.3% for the half year 2024, Kingdomway attributed this is part to low gross margins from its coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) ingredient and finished product business.
Claiming to be the world’s largest producer of CoQ10, the company said demand for the ingredient and its finished products remained high, but market prices trekked at the lower end.
Revenue from its CoQ10 business was 1.89% lower than last year at US$53.4m.
Gross margin from CoQ10 was also 11.53% lower than last year to 46.41%.
The reduced gross margin and revenue were cited as a main factor in the drop in its net profit.
Despite this, health supplements represent the company’s largest portfolio, and revenue for the health supplements business unit did climb 2.80% to US$135.9m.
Read the full article on NutraIngredients-Asia.
