In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at Hong Kong CBD ban, China’s plans in mass fortification of food staples, Singapore’s launch of food safety standards for online businesses and more.
The recent official ban of cannabidiol in foods, supplements, and any other products in Hong Kong has been attributed to the difficulty in controlling tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive component in cannabis.
China is considering mandating mass nutritional fortification for various staple foods in order to boost public health and combat nutrient deficiencies.
South Korea has given the nod for recycled PET plastic to be used as a material to make new food and beverage containers as part of its national sustainability strategy, citing work by international brands such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo as an inspiration.
The rise of new ingredients and innovations in the better-for-you confectionery space is shifting candies and other sweet treats into a guilt-free indulgence space, and has to the potential to progress further into the functional foods realm.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has approved two health claims for products that contain a specific dosage of palm oil tocotrienol, which is believed will help drive new product development in this area.
Nutraceutical firm BodyFirst Wellness Nutrition has opened its first offline retail store in Peddar Road, Mumbai, which it said would kickstart its personalised nutrition service.
Lowering the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) while increasing parental and school health advice could help reduce childhood weight gain, according to a new study from China.
This regulatory round-up will look at policy updates relating to proposed kava labelling requirements in the Oceania, the ban on celebrity endorsement of health foods in China, and South Korea’s Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) ambitions.
A Singapore researcher has developed a technology for formulating prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics that can be made into supplements and food for human, pets, and agricultural use.
DSM has developed a database that could identify the key micronutrient gaps in 11 markets across Asia-Pacific, and in turn, help health supplement brands and manufacturers design products to meet these needs.
Japanese firm Kirin is expanding its presence in South East Asia with its flagship postbiotic ingredient, with collaborations with major dairy companies underway.
Nestle India has highlighted the incorporation of traditional ingredients into children’s foods as a key strategy to boost parent confidence in a product’s nutritional benefits, on the back of its latest ragi-based cereal launch.
The wellbeing and medical nutrition sectors are booming in China and South East Asia (SEA), says New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, which has introduced a new portfolio aimed at tackling these needs.
Craft Health, a Singapore start-up that uses 3D printing to produce customised nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations, is preparing to enter overseas markets after receiving new funds of SGD$1.42m (US$1.03m).
Australia’s Pharmacare Laboratories is growing the market presence of its dietary supplement brand Nature’s Way in South Korea via its first pharmacy deal with local chain Onnuri.
Snacking giant PepsiCo has highlighted food security, healthier choices and packaging as major sustainability and business objectives in the Middle East and Asia.
Kirin has dominated Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFC) immune health category in FY21, with it being the only company that has received the authority’s recognition for its immune health ingredient L. lactis strain Plasma – also known as LC-plasma.
Chinese consumers are leading regional demands for healthier, more nutritious food, such as low- to zero-sugar products and high fibre content, for benefits such as better gut health and quality of life.
GABA was most popular ingredient used in Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFCs) products in FY21, while soybean-derived β-conglycinin has made its debut as one of the popular ingredients, exclusive new data reveals.
Only about one-third of approved Foods with Function Claims (FFC) made it on to the market in FY2021, with more than 60 per cent pending launch, exclusive new data has shown.
With consumers increasingly demanding scientifically-validated nutra products and ingredients, one of the key scientists in Australia’s national research agency has revealed the three factors that are crucial for a high-quality trial.
Women with celiac disease following a strict, long-term gluten-free diet could face major deficiencies in major nutrients, including vitamin D, folate, calcium and iron, according to a new study.
There are ‘big growth opportunities’ for Kellogg’s to be found in the APAC region by diversifying its consumer base and product range, as well as ensuring a broad mix of price points, its South East Asia CMO told us in the second part of an exclusive...
Breakthrough in delivery system technologies is crucial to drive innovation in the traditional vitamin and minerals category, as well as the booming probiotics, functional food and beverage sectors.
Food and nutrition-based businesses across APAC have reported continued logistics problems plaguing their supply chains due to rising costs and customs delays, some of which still stem from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s first ice popsicle brand Skippi is aiming to achieve Nestle-level market penetration in the country within the next 12 months, with plans afoot for a large-scale production plant as well as building up its national distribution network.
A group of experts in Asia has finalised 14 consensus statements around muscle health in healthy elderly and those suffering from sarcopenia, including recommendation for protein, leucine, and L-carnitine supplementation.
Kirin is aiming a 20 per cent growth in the number of regular consumers buying functional foods and drinks containing its immune health ingredient LC-plasma – and it is seeking to do so by working with brands that can incorporate the ingredient into various...
Asia’s foodtech start-ups are increasingly innovating beyond soy and pea in the plant-based space, with several firms catching the eye of regional experts.
Today we can reveal the fist wave of speakers confirmed for our Growth Asia Summit, an in-person, face-to-face conference taking place across three days in Singapore in October.
This round-up will look at the new developments, including annual results and new production plans from brands such as Swisse, kids nutrition supplement Healthy Heights, and Japan’s enzymes brand Shinya Koso.
A range of food and supplement products that claim to boost the immune system, prevent diabetes and ageing has come under the attention of the Japanese authorities.
Maintaining price parity and maximising taste are two key priorities when formulating healthy and plant-based products, according to exclusive insights revealed by Nestle’s Malaysia and Singapore CEO Juan Aranols.
India’s first ice popsicle brand Skippi has revamped the traditional local category with the use of healthier ingredients and national exposure via the popular reality show Shark Tank, vowing to achieve nationwide penetration within the next six months.
A recent South Korean government survey has revealed a significant boost in processed food sales over the past year, with both the number of purchases and frequency on the rise.
This round-up will shine the spotlight on CEO interviews with Blackmores, India’s Arjuna Natural, and two upcoming business webinars by NutraIngredients-Asia.
The Indian food regulator is being urged to include on-pack ‘warning labels’ for sugar, salt and fats as part of its upcoming health star rating system for packaged foods.
China’s plant-based yoghurt sector is being predicted to enjoy significant growth, even though such products sit in a regulatory grey area, according to exclusive insights in our latest FNA InnovATE edition.
The most-read stories last month include 2022 nutrition trends forecast by Nestle, Morinaga, Nestle Malaysia's glucose control supplement launch, an exclusive interview with Culturelle on probiotic trends in China and more.
The quality of clinical trials behind products under Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFCs) is undermined by a lack of proper protocols, such as the absence of trial registration and transparent study designs, says a new study.
Major brands such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, Mondelez, F&N and Unilever are joining forces to drive the sustainability agenda in Malaysia, via a new alliance that will tackle plastic food and beverage packaging concerns.
Here we present the latest research and innovation around skin health, including how processed foods consumption is linked to higher risk of eczema, a Singapore’s firm’s ‘bio-optimised’ collagen shots innovation, and the potential benefits of coix seed...
Australian Honey Ventures is set to launch its medicinal honey brand, Real Good Honey, in Kuwait and UAE this March, with plans to expand further into the Middle East.