Weekly Roundup: ACI launches CBD Safety Certification, New guidance on botanical adulterants for turmeric

10 Apr 2020 --- In nutrition news this week, the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) announced new regulations for its CBD Safety Certification program, while the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) launched the publication of a new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on turmeric raw material and products. Meanwhile, Lonza placed its inaugural Eurobond in the European capital market and Kemin Industries appointed a new Chief Financial Officer.

In brief: Regulations and certifications
ACI has outlined new plans for The ACI Safety Certification program. It has been launched exactly one year before the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA)’s new safety regulations come into force, which excludes all cannabidiol (CBD) food products from sale in the UK without a validated Novel Foods application dossier. ACI’s Certification is a key part of its vision for a sustainable future for the UK CBD sector. The organization’s mission is to nurture an industry that puts public safety first. The ACI certification will be composed of three tiers, each representing the necessary steps to gaining full Novel Foods Authorisation from the appropriate regulatory bodies.

Reports of turmeric adulteration often describe substitution with other Curcuma species.The Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has announced the publication of a new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on turmeric raw material and products. While turmeric has a long history of use, the organization notes, its popularity has only recently surged in countries outside Asia. Reports of turmeric adulteration often describe substitution with other Curcuma species or the undeclared admixture of starches or dyes. The LGD has been peer-reviewed by 29 international experts. It provides an evaluation of the usefulness of published analytical methods to detect the adulteration of turmeric root raw material and extracts and finished turmeric products and summarizes advantages and disadvantages of each method. The document also details the chemical composition of turmeric root, potential confounding species and known adulterants.

Maplifa extract has received designation with an International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name. Verdure Sciences is touting this new achievement in support of its newest ingredient, positioned for the personal care sector. “It is an opportunity for Verdure Sciences to explore the cosmetic and personal care space as this is a newer initiative for the company. It is not enough just to have a really interesting new product or ingredient. It is equally important, if not more so, to ensure that the solution offers a sustainable, traceable, clean label solution,” says Jestimore Musombi, Quality Assurance Lead at Verdure Sciences. Obtaining the INCI name for Maplifa through the Personal Care Products Council supports consistency through a third-party that many in the industry trust as a leader. INCI helps provide a consistent, worldwide reference, based on sound science for cosmetic ingredients, and helps establish a cohesive system for identification and composition of natural personal care ingredients.

In brief: Launches and releases
Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener – a commercially available food and beverage thickener targeted at people who suffer from dysphagia – is now available in an innovative stick packaging in mildly thick and moderately thick consistencies. The launch is touted as being fast-mixing and easy-to-use. The starch-based Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets safely thicken hot or cold beverages and puréed foods to desired consistency without altering flavor. Created to improve quality of life for patients with swallowing disorders and their caregivers, the product is convenient for mixing at home or on-the-go. The flexible and narrow packets are discreet, and each serving is pre-portioned – making them also possible for facility use, where healthcare professionals and kitchen staff can quickly and safely thicken food and drinks with no additional measurement required.

Maplifa extract has received designation with an INCI name.In brief: Research and study
The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has published a new review paper examining the link between micro-calcification and atherosclerosis, focusing on cardiovascular imaging techniques and evaluating the concept of vitamin K supplementation to preserve cardiovascular health. The review paper is the result of the Intricate grant awarded to NattoPharma’s International Research Network by the European Union within the Horizon 2020. The findings are a strong piece of evidence identifying vitamin K2 as an essential cardiovascular nutrient. Presenting the pros and cons of available treatments, “vitamin K supplementation should be considered as a possible safe and cost-effective option to inhibit vascular (micro)-calcification,” the underscores. The study adds to the growing body of evidence substantiating vitamin K2 as an essential cardiovascular support nutrient, according to NattoPharma Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hogne Vik.

In brief: Business news
Lonza has successfully placed its inaugural Eurobond with a coupon of 1.625 percent in the European capital market. Lonza is using the funds to refinance existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The new Eurobond with a volume of €500 million (US$546 million) has a maturity of seven years. The notes have been offered under a standalone Prospectus and will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. “The Eurobond has effectively diversified Lonza’s liability portfolio and has allowed access to Lonza’s credit profile for an entirely new group of investors. With the successful issuance of the bond, Lonza has taken the next step in its financing strategy, following on from the inaugural S&P rating and the refinancing of its bank facilities,” highlights Rodolfo Savitzky, Chief Financial Officer for Lonza.

Patrick Wood was appointed Kemin's new Chief Financial Officer. Spain-based Pharmactive Biotech Products has adopted the saffron variety via the American Botanical Council (ABC)’s Adopt-an-Herb botanical research and education program. Pharmactive’s adoption supports ABC’s extensive HerbMedPro database, ensuring that this research and educational resource remains up to date for researchers, health professionals, industry members, students, consumers, and other members of the herbal and dietary supplement and natural medicine communities. HerbMedPro is a comprehensive, interactive online database that provides access to important scientific and clinical research data on the uses and health effects of more than 265 herbs, spices, medicinal plants and fungi.

Global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has appointed Patrick Wood, formerly Vice President of Finance for Kemin Nutrisurance, as Chief Financial Officer. Wood joined Kemin in 2013 and was promoted in 2018 to the position of Vice President of Finance for Kemin Nutrisurance, the global pet food and rendering technologies business unit.

By Kristiana Lalou