EU continues CBD scrutiny, rejecting 6 more novel food applications
The European Commission has terminated a backlog of cannabidiol (CBD) novel food applications for lack of data and non-compliance.
Regulation & policy
Across the Nutraverse: GOED unveils new database, Magtein in the UK, gut microbe and muscle strength
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
Magtein approved as a novel food in the UK, two years after EU approval
Magtein, a branded form of magnesium L-threonate, has been approved as a novel food in the UK by Food Standards Agency (FSA) and has secured a five-year data protection period.
New pharmacovigilance survey on natural health products to roll out globally
A new survey covering global pharmacovigilance approaches in the natural health products sector is launching soon and will be extended to over 200 industry organizations and regulatory bodies, including those in China, the United States, Europe and other...
‘No safe intake’ level for berberine: EFSA opens consultation
Experts have warned the future for berberine containing plants looks bleak after EFSA published a draft opinion questioning their safety, with a stakeholder consultation now open until May. 4.
Are the rules governing probiotics still built for a pre-microbiome era?
Europe is taking a cautious approach as it reassesses how probiotics and the microbiome should be addressed within food and health regulation, attendees heard at the recent IPA World Congress + IPA 2026 event.
Dsm-firmenich vs Mara Renewables patent dispute concludes in Court of Appeal
Dsm-firmenich and Mara Renewables Corporation have been denied their appeals in relation to a recent UK High Court battle over three claims of patent infringement.
World Customs Organization formally recognizes dietary supplements as a standalone category
Dietary supplements are set to be formally recognized as a distinct category in global trade for the first time, following a recent update to the Harmonized System by the World Customs Organization.
“Its moment has arrived”: Marula fruit ripe for global functional food success
The highly abundant South African polyphenol-rich marula fruit is being under-exploited by the functional food and supplements industry, according to the Marula Fruit Products Association.
Authorities play catch-up on caffeine energy pouch regulation
Highly caffeinated energy pouches currently exist in a regulatory grey area, with a patchwork of different rules beginning to emerge across European nations.
Longevity ingredients under the EU regulatory spotlight
When a health trend takes off, the nimble nutrition industry is adept at creating and marketing new products that fit consumers’ emerging demands. But with this can come a tendency to overlook the regulatory status of burgeoning ingredients.
Across the Nutraverse: FDA eyes GMP, GRAS, NDI updates; EFSA’s QPS list changes; NMN expansion Down Under
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
EFSA’s QPS update opens opportunities for microbial innovation
EFSA has published its scientific opinion on the safety of several microorganisms, confirming new microbes eligible for streamlined safety assessments.
Novel Foods: Major updates on botanical assessments
The European Commission (EC) has updated its Novel Food Catalogue, offering crucial clarification on the status of several traditional botanical ingredients.
Across the Nutraverse: Ginseng adulteration, EFSA’s DHA levels, ANH sues FDA, Aker’s India strategy
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
EFSA sets ‘conservative’ safe intake level for DHA
EFSA has published its scientific opinion on the safe level of supplemental docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) following concerns that sustained use could increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding.
Scott Bass launches life sciences strategy and dispute-resolution venture
Scott Bass is launching a new firm—Scott Bass Life Sciences LLC—focused on two core offerings: high level strategic guidance for the global self-care sector and a low-cost dispute resolution model designed specifically for life sciences companies.
Postbiotics, regulation and strain optimization to headline Probiota day two
Day two at the IPA World Congress + Probiota Dublin 2026 will see experts discuss regulatory updates, postbiotic science and strain-level innovation.
European Commission assigns 34 probiotic strains ‘not novel’ status
The European Commission has updated its Novel Food Catalogue to add 34 probiotic strains considered ‘not novel’ when used in food or food supplements.
Fish oil oxidation: Experts debate the science and health impacts
Research shows that some fish oil supplements are oxidized, but is there any scientific evidence to support the perception that oxidized fish oil is less efficacious or even detrimental?
Sports nutrition in 2025: A year of shifts, signals—and where it’s heading in 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, its clear this was a pivotal year for sports and active nutrition.
Editors’ picks: Our favorite articles of 2025
We enjoy writing some articles more than others, whether it’s because of the subject, the impact for industry, the insights from commentators or other reasons. But which articles did we enjoy writing the most and why?
‘Misleading and unethical’: Brands caught claiming to ‘treat’ neurodivergent traits
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) announced several rulings against supplement brands targeting Autistic consumers and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
‘There was never a dull moment’: 8 reasons to attend the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026
The IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026 is just two months away! The leading event for the probiotics, prebiotics and microbiome community is a must-attend event, and let us tell you why…
Across the Nutraverse: Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals CEO convicted, Vitamin B6 in Australia, creatine
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
CRN updates vitamin K2 MK-7 intake limits
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has determined a Highest Observed Intake (HOI) level for vitamin K2-MK7 of 375 mcg/day following a review of over 40 clinical trials.
EFSA sets safe limit for Delta-8 THC
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has suggested a safe limit of 1 µg/kg body weight for the combined intake of delta-8 and delta-9 THC from food.
Founder urges women’s health brands to lobby against red tape
The founder of premium women’s health supplement brand Lyma signaled an opportunity for UK brands to contest health claim restrictions during last week’s Nutra Healthspan Summit.
New lipid gets EFSA novel food approval, and it cuts cholesterol
Food and drink manufacturers now have a new lipid to add to their formulation toolbox – one that boasts health and sustainability credentials
Regulation expert: EFSA’s search for ‘risk free guarantee’ from CBD leading to illegal products and loss of engagement
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a negative opinion on the use of synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) in food supplements, leading to questions over the future of the market.
Is kratom tarnishing kava’s reputation?
Consumer priorities have undergone a major shift in recent years, with mental wellness emerging as a top concern. Given the focus on mental health, it may not be surprising that demand for functional beverages like kava are on the rise.
What can brands say about mind health supplements under EU Law?
Brands formulating mind health supplements face a legal minefield in the EU, as strict health-claim rules and fragmented national laws severely limit what they can say about key ingredients.
Trend tracker: Q-commerce, ‘proteinification’, magnesium in the spotlight
Find out more about India’s quick-commerce boom, ‘proteinification’ in food and drinks, and what’s driving the popularity of magnesium supplements in Australia.
EUDR delay: Parliament pushes back
Lawmakers are beginning to voice opposition to any potential delay of the groundbreaking legislation
Too little, too much: TGA finds content discrepancies in imported melatonin products
Several melatonin supplements imported into Australia were found to contain amounts that were either significantly higher or lower than the amount labeled, says the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
‘A pivotal expansion’: European inulin producers join IPA
The European Association of Chicory Inulin Producers (CEFI) has joined the International Probiotics Association, a move that IPA calls “a pivotal expansion in the representation of prebiotic science and industry worldwide”.
Joe Wicks’ satirical ‘Killer’ protein bar stunt sparks backlash
Fitness figure Joe Wicks’ exaggerated health claim protein bar, launched to promote an upcoming documentary targeting Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) and the UK Government, has sparked criticism and possible legal rebuttal.
The ‘proteinification’ of everything
Once just a bottle shaker staple, protein is taking on new forms and finding its way into everything from soda to chips to macaroni and cheese.
DuelFuel founder relaunches protein bars after VAT battle comes to ‘tragic’ end
An entrepreneur has relaunched his ’perform and recover’ protein bars after reaching the ‘tragic’ end of a three-and-a-half-year legal battle with the HMRC, stating “only consumers can decide our fate.”
Crow-dipper rhizome deemed not novel, national barriers remain
The European Commission has updated the EU Novel Food Catalogue to confirm that crow-dipper rhizome and its alcoholic extract of Pinellia ternata are not considered novel when used in food supplements.
Korea expands warnings on Garcinia cambogia products after additional hepatitis cases
South Korean authorities are adding more precaution statements to health functional foods containing Garcinia cambogia, following recent complaints of acute hepatitis.
Rapeseed protein fiber-concentrate gets green light from EFSA
EFSA has approved a rapeseed protein-fibre concentrate, marketed as Raptein30, as a safe novel food, marking a new entry into the alternative protein category.