Wrigley Applies for Novel Foods Status for Magnolia Bark Extract

The applicant intends to incorporate MBSE into two confectionary products (chewing gum and a limited number of mint confectionery products) at a maximum use level of 0.2% for its perceived breath freshening properties.

13 Jan 2010 --- US company Wrigley has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market magnolia bark extract as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

The magnolia bark extract (MBSE) is obtained from the bark of the plant Magnoliae officinalis. This plant is native to the mountains of China and has been used for centuries as part of traditional Asian remedies. The applicant intends to incorporate MBSE into two confectionary products (chewing gum and a limited number of mint confectionery products) at a maximum use level of 0.2% for its perceived breath freshening properties.

Before any new food product can be introduced on the European market it must be rigorously assessed for safety. In the UK, the assessment of novel foods is carried out by an independent committee of scientists appointed by the Food Standards Agency, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP).