Weekly Roundup: USDA announces further actions for infant formula shortage, Aker BioMarine keeps US patent

02 Sep 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced further actions to ensure accessibility to infant formula for all families in the nation. US-based companies have unveiled product innovations in vegan gummies for overall health, stress-relaxers and mood stabilizers. Aker BioMarine was set toward a patent challenge earlier this year, which now has been rejected, meaning the company keeps its patent.

The USDA continues to tackle the infant formula shortage by extending flexibilities for participants in the Women, Infant and Children program – WIC. The department announced coverage of all costs related to non-contract formulas to increase the accessibility of formulas for low-income families. “WIC families are counting on us, and while the supply of infant formula is improving, the extended flexibilities will ensure WIC families can find the formula they need for their babies,” says Tom Vilsack, agriculture secretary at the USDA. Recent actions announced by the department include extended waivers and increased foreign import through the operation fly formula. 

In brief: US-based Product launchesInnovation in vegan gummies is accelerating, Palmetto and Cheef Botanicals announced new products.
Palmetto introduced Stress Less vegan gummies. The health, wellness and beauty-focused company developed the product to “promote a more calm and relaxed state of mind.” Containing Sensoril Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and Lemon Balm Extract, the key ingredients aim to regulate concentration levels, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity. Adults are recommended a daily dose of two gummies to increase calmness and relaxation throughout the day.

Continuing on gummies, Cheef Botanicals announced its coming launch of vegan cannabinoid (CBD) gummies. Using hemp from organic farms, the company highlights its products to be authentic and environmentally sustainable. The company said, “we at Cheef Botanicals aim to provide knowledge to the people around us about CBD products. There are several myths surrounding the usage of hemp products. People are conscious of its consumption.” Emphasizing that their gummies are a suitable beginners-product for consumers new to CBD, with low tetrahydrocannabinol levels of 0.03%, “which will not make you high.”

Gundry MD unveiled their dietary supplement Vital Recharge, unveiling the complex RiaGev, which the company says is a “ first-of-its-kind proprietary complex featuring a form of Vitamin B3 and D-Ribose, boosting energy and metabolism while balancing the mood.” Additionally, the company said that the polyphenol blend boosts stamina and supports blood-sugar metabolism while maintaining good brain and heart health. Lastly, the supplement contains essential electrolyte minerals, which sustain hydration in the body through calcium and magnesium glycerophosphate.

In brief: Business NewsAker BioMarine’s patent for krill oil in the US was challenged earlier this year, the company was deemed to keep their patent, as challenge was rejected. 
A challenge toward Norwegian-based Aker BioMarine's patent on capsules of high-quality krill oil has been rejected by the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The rejection of the challenge means that the company’s patent will be valid until March 2028, providing them with a “strong patent covering sales of krill oil in the US.” The company emphasizes continued innovation and contribution to industry technology.

ADM Science & Technology, based in China, announced the opening of its first science and technology center to be located in the Future Food Science Center of Jiangnan University in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. Focusing on research, development and innovation in products and technology to develop the nutrition and health industry across the Asia-Pacific region, and meet the growing demand. “The center will form an organic linkage with ADM’s global capabilities, and through bilateral exchanges, it will further drive innovation and development with greater speed and precision,” said Todd Werpy, SVP and chief science officer of ADM.

UK-based Sibelius Natural Products announced its partnership with Lithos Ingredients for market distribution in the EU. Highlighting that this is the second time in the last couple of months that the company has been appointed an EU-based distributor to drive global sales. “We see this partnership with Sibelius as a next step in our commitment to support healthy aging with natural plant ingredients,” says Bea Boorsma, business manager at Lithos. She adds that both companies focus on wellness inspired by nature. 

By Beatrice Wihlander