Last week’s top headlines included a meeting at the European Parliament about ashwagandha, the UK’s Novel Foods Experts Network, and the winners of the 2026 NutraIngredients USA Awards.
Experts: Ashwagandha safety concerns not supported by the available evidence
The ashwagandha sector has built a substantial body of clinical evidence that could prove pivotal if European regulators launch a safety review of the herb, experts agreed in a meeting held at the European Parliament last week.
Industry representatives, scientists and regulatory experts gathered in Brussels on July 14 as European regulators consider whether ashwagandha should undergo an Article 8 review—an EFSA process which could lead to restrictions, label requirements or a ban if safety concerns are identified.
The meeting, organized by Kerry Group and hosted by Member of the European Parliament Sean Kelly, marked the formal launch of Safeguard Ashwagandha, an initiative that seeks to ensure that the extensive body of peer-reviewed safety data informs regulatory decisions.
Speakers included Dr. Thomas Brendler, adjunct assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Dr. Mukesh Summan, global director of toxicology at Kerry Group, who reviewed clinical evidence supporting ashwagandha’s safety and benefits.
Having heard their evidence, MEP Kelly told delegates he believed any EFSA assessment of ashwagandha could be completed relatively quickly thanks to the strength of the data compiled by industry.
“I think there will be positives from this in due course,” he said, noting the ideal timing of the meeting. “If there is a vacuum of factual information then emotions can be whipped up through campaigns in the media and social media, and there could be a movement very quickly to ban ashwagandha. Having a discussion like this is vitally important.”
UK’s Novel Foods Experts Network expands across Europe
The UK’s Novel Foods Experts Network (NFX UK) has secured $650,000 to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and expand its service across Europe for the first time.
Led by Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), NFX UK is a network of startups, regulators, academia and service providers, that has been offering support to innovators preparing Novel Foods dossiers in the UK since its launched in September 2025.
Marking the beginning of a broader international expansion strategy, the investment from Coefficient Giving will enable NFX UK to deepen its domestic impact while expanding into the EU.
“This investment allows us to scale what we have built and strengthen our role in accelerating faster, higher-quality and more responsible regulatory approvals in the UK, across Europe and, ultimately, worldwide,” said Jacinta George, managing director and VP at RSSL.
NutraIngredients USA Awards winners announced
The winners for the NutraIngredients USA Awards 2026 were announced during a special awards presentation at The Hampton Social - Streeterville in Chicago.
Focusing on true innovation, long-term market success and cutting-edge research, the NutraIngredients USA Awards honored the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people and initiatives in the nutrition and dietary supplements industry.
2026 marked the highest number of entries ever received for the competition, with applicants vying for glory across 16 categories. The winners can be found HERE
