Beyond The Headlines: Bloomage antioxidant’s GRAS status, SNAP benefits for LA wildfire victims

In industry news this week, Bloomage’s MitoEGT antioxidant earned generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, while the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced those suffering from Los Angeles (LA) wildfires are eligible for food assistance through Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Meanwhile, Optimum Nutrition launched a campaign supporting female athletes.

Business news

Bloomage received self-affirmed US GRAS status for MitoEGT, its L-Ergothioneine mitochondrial antioxidant produced through microbial fermentation. It says the certification allows a maximum additional level of 60 mg per serving of food. Research published in Food & Function linked MitoEGT to improved cognitive function by reducing mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation. Bloomage’s MITOENGPQQ also received regulatory approval in China. Both ingredients are part of the company’s Mito Plan, which focuses on mitochondrial health and anti-aging solutions.

Optimum Nutrition launched the “Pretty Damn Good” campaign to celebrate female athletes, highlighting their achievements despite often receiving limited recognition. The campaign featured athletes like Cameron Brink, Ryan Destiny, Ali Krieger, and Laurie Hernandez, focusing on overcoming underestimation and showcasing their hard work. Optimum Nutrition also donated US$25,000 to the Voiceinsport Foundation to support women in sports. The campaign encouraged fans to share stories of inspiring athletes using #PrettyDAMNGood on social media.

Scott’s Protein Balls partnered with Oakberry, a global superfood brand, to offer plant-based snacks. As part of the collaboration, select Oakberry locations began carrying co-branded bags of Scott’s Protein Balls in flavors like Peanut Butter Cacao and Brownie Batter. The partnership aimed to meet the demand for clean, plant-based products. Oakberry’s global presence provided Scott’s Protein Balls with expanded distribution. The partnership focused on sustainability, wellness, and convenience.

Chiquita Brands partnered with AN Supps | Applied Nutrition to launch a new sports nutrition line featuring its signature banana and pineapple flavors. The An Performance line includes hydration, pre-workout, non-stimulant, and whey protein powders, co-branded with Chiquita. The products are available exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe and combine Chiquita’s flavors with sports nutrition benefits. The companies say the line meets quality standards, including Informed Sport certification.

Chiquita Brands new sports nutrition line features its signature banana and pineapple flavors.Research highlights

Heart disease remained the leading cause of death in the US, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report. In 2022, cardiovascular disease caused 941,652 deaths, exceeding cancer and accidental deaths combined. High blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes continued to rise, with nearly 47% of US adults affected by hypertension. Obesity rates were highest among Black women, while diabetes was most prevalent among Hispanic men. Researchers warned cardiovascular-related healthcare costs could triple by 2050 without stronger prevention efforts.

A Cleveland Clinic study found that patients with obesity and fatty liver-related cirrhosis who underwent bariatric surgery had a significantly lower risk of developing severe liver complications compared to those receiving medical therapy alone. The 15-year study, published in Nature Medicine, showed a 72% reduced risk of liver complications and an 80% lower risk of disease progression. Researchers suggest bariatric surgery as a potential treatment for compensated cirrhosis, highlighting the need for further studies on anti-obesity medications.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) received a US$21 million multi-year grant from the US Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods program to address poverty and educational challenges in Broward County. The Broward Unlimited Potential initiative said it will support over 14,000 students and their families, focusing on improving education, family support, and workforce development. FAU’s research will guide the program, which targets six underserved zip codes and emphasizes collaboration between local organizations and educational institutions to foster lasting community change.

Events and advocacy 

The USDA announced that residents affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds in LA may qualify for food assistance through D-SNAP. Approximately 81,477 households in 28 zip codes are eligible to apply. The USDA also approved waivers allowing SNAP participants to buy hot foods and providing flexibility in school meal programs. Current SNAP households under certain zip codes will receive automatic supplemental benefits, while others may request assistance, says the department.

The upcoming EU InfoPoint conference will argue for the importance of animal-source foods like eggs, milk, dairy, and fish in promoting nutrition, especially during critical life stages such as pregnancy, childhood, and older adulthood. Despite recommendations from the WHO for daily consumption of animal-source foods, conference organizers warn that only 35% of children in low-income countries had access, compared to 74% in upper-middle-income countries. The session proposes scaling up agricultural models to improve access, affordability, and consumption in vulnerable populations.

UNICEF called for strong regulations to protect child health, emphasizing the need for agencies like the US FDA to oversee products for children, including breast milk substitutes. In the Philippines, where nearly three million children suffer from stunting, malnutrition costs over US$3.1 billion annually in lost productivity. UNICEF highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and accurate information on substitutes. It urged continued regulatory oversight and cross-sector cooperation to ensure children receive safe, nutritious products essential for their growth and development.