Weekly Roundup: EFSA approves bovine whey protein for infant formula use, Petition to USDA to remove carcinogens from processed meats

18 Oct 2019 --- In nutrition news this week, the European Commission (EC) allowed the use of bovine milk basic whey protein isolate in infant formula, after a 2018 request from Armor Protéines. Industry watchdog OrganicEye petitioned the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove carcinogenic nitrites from processed meats. Furthermore, several British health and nutrition groups jointly launched the Academy of Nutrition Sciences – a charitable organization which aims to promote evidence-based nutrition science.

In brief: Regulations and authorizations
The EC has authorized the extension of bovine milk basic whey protein isolate use following a request from Armor Protéines’ submitted on October 10, 2018. Following a safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the ingredient can now be used at a maximum level of 3.9 per 100ml in reconstituted formula for infants during the first months of life until the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding. Once feeding is introduced, the level in reconstituted formula can be increased to 4.2mg per 100ml. Additionally, infants can now receive 25mg a day through foods for special medical purposes. The ingredient was originally approved as a novel food on October 30, 2018, following Armor Protéines’ 2016 request. 

An assortment of British health and nutrition groups has united to launch the Academy of Nutrition Sciences. In an effort to remove cancer-causing nitrites from deli-type and other processed meats labeled organic, the industry watchdog OrganicEye has petitioned the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). At its public meeting next week, NOSB will consider whether cured organic meats may continue to be processed with nonorganic celery powder, which contains high levels of nitrates. The powder is derived from celery grown with high levels of synthetic nitrogen that are absorbed by the plant and then used as a nitrate-based preservative.

An assortment of British health and nutrition groups has united to launch the Academy of Nutrition Sciences (ANS). The newly formed body is a new charitable organization, which aims to provide a powerful and unified voice to promote evidence-based nutrition science. The move is a joint effort of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and Nutrition Society (NS). The Academy builds on existing collaboration between the four founding organizations and will act as an umbrella body for strategic initiatives. The Academy will seek to improve public health and wellbeing and support excellence in research, education and associated activities to advance the knowledge and application of evidence-based nutrition science. “The creation of the Academy comes at an important time, when the central role of diet and nutrition in wider public health is being better recognized, and conditions such as diabetes and obesity on the one hand and undernutrition on the other are placing increased strain on our health services,” says Professor Harry McArdle, Emeritus Professor at the Rowett Institute University of Aberdeen and the new Academy’s Chair of Trustees.

In brief: Launches and releases
Functional beverages company Drink Nutrient has launched a new range that provides 13 daily essential vitamins in an easy-to-drink single-serve stick pack. The new drink line, coined Liquid Nutrient, Vitamin Booster+ and Vitamin Coffee, contains no artificial ingredients and is free of gluten and acrylamide. The company says that each drink is packed with essential vitamins and is scientifically proven to strengthen the body, sharpen focus and help reduce inflammation. The line includes: Liquid Nutrient, with 13 essential vitamins and tyrosine for mental focus, three BCAAs for muscle repair and comes in flavors grape and lemon lime; Vitamin Booster+, a multivitamin drink which contains real fruit juice and 15 to 30 calories per serving, also in grape and lemon lime flavors; Vitamin Coffee, a natural health enhancer and energy booster that uses 100 percent Colombian Arabica coffee and gives 50 percent of daily essential vitamins in each serving.

Manufacturer of chitosan and chitin-glucan KitoZyme has launched a range of effective vegetal solutions for digestive health. The products – Tansbiota and Gastrap Direct – are based on the company’s KiOtransine technology. It is a patented prebiotic developed by KitoZyme in collaboration with leading universities in nutritional science. KitoZyme has demonstrated the unique nature of its ingredient in several studies, as well as its benefits for gut microbiota and its positive effects on bowel movement and general wellbeing. This low-dose prebiotic increases the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate, and is a perfect carbon-source for Bifidobacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve.

KitoZyme has launched a range of effective vegetal solutions for digestive health.Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. has launched Affron, an all-natural, Spanish saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) in the US market. The company’s formulation boasts the lowest dosage threshold on the market – just 28mg per day – with proven bioavailability and rapid one-hour absorption. The capabilities of this clean-label, synthetic-free, pure plant saffron extract are backed by several clinical studies. These compounds have been clinically shown to improve mood in healthy individuals, relieve stress and occasional sadness, support relaxation, and help enhance sleep. Affron also is the first saffron extract clinically studied on adolescents. The company is launching the new product at SupplySide West 2019 in Las Vegas, taking place this week. 

In brief: Miscellaneous
Prinova Europe Ltd. has signed a UK and Ireland distribution agreement with Marigot for the latter’s aquamin range. Prinova will become the exclusive distributor for Marigot’s range of plant and marine-based minerals in the UK & Ireland from September 2019. The agreement is in line with Marigots’ ambition to grow the Aquamin business in food, beverage, dietary supplements and lifestyle nutrition markets. Prinova’s reputation and track record of growth in these markets contributed to Marigot’s decision to establish a new exclusive partnership. “There is increasing demand for natural clean label, sustainable and scientifically supported ingredients which bring added health benefits to products,” says David O’Leary, Commercial Manager at Marigot. “With the UK & Ireland market at the forefront of many of the exciting industry trends, Marigot’s new partnership with Prinova Europe Ltd is an important part of our overall growth strategy,” he adds.

Chemicals manufacturer, Evonik Nutrition & Care has announced a price increase for amino acids used in pharmaceutical and human nutrition applications. The company will implement a price increase of up to 10 percent for its amino acid product portfolio for all applications sold via the business line Health Care. The price increase will take effect on December 15, 2019. The price adjustment reflects increasing market requirements, with Evonik having made significant investments to further enhance product quality, supply security and services. 

By Kristiana Lalou