Weekly Roundup: Germany confirms CBD as Novel Food, MMHP to build world’s largest human microbiome database

15 Nov 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, cannabidiol (CBD) is set to be classified as a novel food in Germany, while the Million Microbiome of Humans Project will analyze one million microbial samples to build the world’s largest microbiome database. INS Farms has obtained the exclusive distribution rights of all Asiros BerryShield ingredients for North America and Australia. Meanwhile, Butterfly has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Orgain, and ACG Capsules is introducing a new portfolio of high-quality HPMC capsules. 

In brief: Regulatory updates
The German federal government has confirmed that CBD will be classified as a novel food. This move aligns the country’s position on the ingredient with that of the EU. In January, the European Commission ruled that CBD and all products containing it are to be considered novel throughout Europe and cannot be marketed without authorization. However, few EU countries have enforced the policy, which arguably creates a number of unregulated CBD markets across Europe.

Marinova’s fucoidan extracts have attained regulatory approvals in a number of global jurisdictions for use in food and dietary supplements. Extracts from Undaria pinnatifida and Fucus vesiculosus have been granted Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following an application by the company. “The daily consumption of high concentration fucoidan extracts has been accepted at rates of up to 250 mg/day. This provides assurance that fucoidan can be safely consumed in a wide variety of products,” says Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Helen Fitton.

In brief: Business news
The Million Microbiome of Humans Project (MMHP) was officially launched at the 14th International Conference on Genomics. Scientists from countries including China, Sweden, Denmark, France and Latvia will cooperate in microbial metagenomic research. They aim to sequence and analyze one million microbial samples from the intestine, mouth, skin, reproductive tract and other organs in the next three to five years to draw a microbiome map of the human body and build the world's largest database of human microbiome. 

 The Million Microbiome of Humans Project will build the world’s largest microbiome database. INS Farms has announced that it has obtained the exclusive distribution rights of all Asiros BerryShield ingredients for North America and Australia. Denmark-based Asiros is a manufacturer that specializes in berry extract ingredients, including tart cherry, bilberry, blueberry, strawberry, elderberry, red currant and blackcurrant. Asiros’ proprietary delivery system, Berry Shield, protects the biomarker polyphenols in each berry species from degradation, delivering more of the active content. “Organoleptically, Asiros’ berry ingredients are viable for foods and beverages as the powders retain the vibrant colors, tastes and aromas,” Devon Bennett, INS Co-Founder notes. “They are also water-soluble, free of carriers and do not need to be spray-dried or have maltodextrin or MGOH2 added,” he added.

In brief: Investments and funding
Roquette Ventures and bio-venture company Advanced Protein Technologies (AP Technologies), which is developing human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), have signed an agreement to work together on the development of new promising human breast milk components. Chul Soo, Shin, CEO of AP Technologies emphasized that “with this investment from Roquette Ventures, AP Technologies will be able to contribute to the health of the people in Korea by supplying a highly-functional food ingredient while reducing the reliance on imports of these important ingredients. By collaborating with Roquette Ventures, we will expand to export our product internationally and step up to earn a place as a global natural-based food leader in the long run.”

Los Angeles-based private equity firm Butterfly has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Orgain, Inc. Based in California, US. Orgain is a producer of high-quality, organic and clean nutrition products. The company launched the industry’s first organic ready-to-drink nutrition shake in 2009 and since has developed a broad portfolio of category-leading products spanning across protein powders, shakes and bars with a focus on organic, protein-rich, clean ingredients. Orgain is Butterfly’s fifth investment within its “seed-to-fork” approach to investing in food across agriculture, aquaculture, food and beverage products, food distribution and food service. 

In brief: Launches and releases
ACG Capsules (ACGC) – part of ACG Group, a pharmaceutical industry supplier – is introducing a new premium portfolio of high-quality HPMC capsules. The company’s ACGcaps HA line comprises inert, high-performing capsules intended to become the new “Platinum Standard” in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules. The plant-based capsules are capable of supporting a fast and uniform dissolution, including for sensitive molecules that must achieve desired dissolution in 0.01N HCl. The capsules display heightened suitability for hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive ingredients. The portfolio also provides machinability for high-speed production environments.

Gingerbread Protein Bites with chopped almonds is the latest addition to the Nibble Protein healthy snacking range.Nibble, the creators of bite-size protein snacks and brownie bites has released a new high-protein, lower sugar product, Gingerbread Protein Bites with chopped almonds. This latest addition to the popular Nibble Protein healthy snacking range blends the traditional flavors of the festive season into gently spiced, protein-packed bites with less than 1 g of sugar per piece, making them the ultimate guilt-free festive treat. Based on a traditional Swedish recipe, these spiced bites are made using a blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and contain 30 percent less sugar than most standard all-natural protein bars and balls on the market. With 21 percent protein and under 100 calories per bag, the bites are a good mid-morning snack or afternoon pick-me-up, the company says.

In brief: Research and study
Bioiberica Plant Health has presented a study that concludes that the amino acids obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis from selected protein sources have a greater biostimulant effect. The paper will be presented at the Biostimulants World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, November 18-21 within the Congress’ official section. The study compares four different biostimulants, one being Terra-Sorb, and analyzes the origin of its raw material and the method the L-α amino acids are obtained. The results demonstrate that the selected source of the raw material is related to higher protein quality and more and more diverse amino acids. Obtaining L-α amino acids through enzymatic hydrolysis is observed to be a competitive advantage over those obtained by chemical hydrolysis since they maintain their natural and biologically active form, according to the paper.

In brief: Awards and certifications
Sabinsa’s parent company Sami Labs Ltd received The Economic Times’ Business Leaders 2019 Award for Most Trusted Nutraceutical Company in a ceremony held in Mumbai, India, last month. The Economic Times is a financial daily in India and among the world’s top three daily newspapers. The awards recognize the best performers amongst Indian industry companies in various categories. The honorees are selected by an eminent jury comprised of industry leaders and academicians. 

By Kristiana Lalou