Regulation & policy

Bipartisan hemp bill seeks federal pathway for cannabinoid products

Bipartisan hemp bill seeks federal pathway for cannabinoid products

By Cassandra Stern

The proposed legislation would establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, which industry stakeholders say could provide long-sought regulatory certainty for manufacturers and create a clearer pathway for nutrition and...

Safety in question: What is the future of berberine?

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Safety in question: What is the future of berberine?

By Lauren Nicolle

Earlier this year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that no safe intake level of berberine could be established, triggering a consultation to determine its regulatory status. Now, there is concern that this could lead to tighter...

Europe to ban Bifidobacterium? Probably not

Guest article

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Europe to ban Bifidobacterium? Probably not

By Dr. Luis Gosálbez, Managing Director, Sandwalk Bioventures

On July 3, the European Food Safety Authority released an external scientific report flagging six food ingredients as possible emerging risks. To the surprise (and panic) of many, one of these ingredients was the (entire) bacterial genus Bifidobacterium.

China drafts new regulations for probiotic health foods

News-in-brief

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China drafts new regulations for probiotic health foods

By Tingmin Koe

China’s State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) has drafted new laws regarding the filing and registration procedures for health foods containing probiotic raw materials, which are now open for public consultation until August 24, 2026.

Australian regulator issues ashwagandha safety update

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Australian regulator issues ashwagandha safety update

By Tingmin Koe

Ashwagandha, already under regulatory scrutiny in India and Europe, is once again in the spotlight after Australian authorities warned of “very rare risk of liver injury” associated with its use.

‘Not prescription drugs’: Industry pushes back on ACP proposal

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‘Not prescription drugs’: Industry pushes back on ACP proposal

By Cassandra Stern

Leading U.S. dietary supplement trade associations are pushing back against a new American College of Physicians (ACP) position paper that calls for replacing the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) with a pharmaceutical-style approval...

Probiota Americas 2026 in pictures

Probiota Americas 2026 in pictures

By Cassandra Stern

From regulation and women’s health to healthy aging and commercialization, this year’s conference brought together the people and ideas shaping the next chapter of microbiome innovation.

Monster targets gray-market energy drink imports in ITC investigation

Monster targets gray-market energy drink imports in ITC investigation

By Danielle Masterson

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated an investigation into alleged gray-market imports of Monster Energy Company products following a complaint that certain imported energy drinks and their labeling infringe several of the...

Timeline: When the NY Attorney General took on herbal supplements

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Timeline: When the NY Attorney General took on herbal supplements

By Stephen Daniells

As Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launches an industry-wide investigation into manufacturers of protein powder, some industry stakeholders are citing a cautionary precedent from 2015 that continues to echo throughout the herbal dietary supplement sector.