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The update on new food raw materials is one essential aspect of chemlinked's 2022 annual report. Each year, stakeholders devote a significant amount of time and money to the study of new food raw materials that have the potential to open up markets and create new food products. Enterprises can begin producing products with the new food raw materials as soon as the National Health Commission (NHC) grants permission.
In order to assist stakeholders in keeping abreast of the latest developments of new food raw materials in China, ChemLinked examines the regulatory updates of new food raw materials in 2022, primarily divided into three types, the approved new food raw materials, new food raw materials under public consultation, and new food raw materials whose applications have been accepted.
1. Applications for New Food Raw Materials in 2022
Approved new food raw materials:
In 2022, China approved 5 new food raw materials, including PQQ, BB536, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, sugarcane polyphenols and Kanzan flower, among which only BB536 can be used in foods for infants and young children. The applications cover brain health, probiotics, protein, micronutrient, anti-oxidization, anti-sugar and flavour. Please find detailed requirements in the Chinese Mainland: New Food Raw Materials List.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ) salt
PQQ is allowed to be used in beverages, such as electrolyte drinks and energy drinks. Researchers have proved that it has the function of anti-oxidising, boosting immunity and alleviating physical fatigue, which makes it a strong role in improving brain health. With the change of COVID policy in China in late 2022, a surge in infections led to high demand for some special food products, including electrolyte water, canned yellow peach, and CoQ10 products. Many people believe that these products can help to relieve some symptoms caused by COVID. This strong demand may continue in 2023. So potential commercial opportunities exist for new products made from immune-boosting food raw materials like PQQ.
Kanzan flower
Food products with the element of cherry blossoms is popular in recent years. With the approval of Kanzan flower as a new food ingredient, enterprises are able to produce drinks and snacks out of natural flowers. In addition, the primary function of Kanzan flower is anti-oxidization and anti-sugar, which is a big selling point.
New food raw materials under public consultation:
In 2022, China opened 3 novel food raw materials for public feedback, including arabinoxylan, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and CaHMB. The applications mainly cover intestinal health and weight management. More details can be found in the historically proposed food raw materials collection.
Arabinoxylan
Arabinoxylan is a kind of dietary fibre, which is good for intestinal health. Researchers find that it has the function of anti-oxidization and can help improve blood glucose levels after meal.
New food raw materials whose applications have been accepted:
In 2022, China accepted the applications of 14 new food raw materials, among which 11 are from China and 3 are imported food raw materials.
The 14 new food raw materials include yeast protein, Bifidobacterium lactis BLa8, D-psicose and maquiberry extract.
Yeast protein
Yeast protein, an alternative protein, is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. With the increase in population and nutritional demand, developing alternative protein is particularly essential.
Other facts about New Food Raw Materials:
In 2022, China ceased the review process of 3 new food raw materials, including Penthorum chinense Pursh, whose application scope is to cover beverage, approved by the authority. Additionally, 3 new food raw materials are rejected.
2. New Food Raw Material Trends
Overview of new food raw materials over the years:
As seen in the line chart below, the number of approved new food raw materials in 2022 decreased compared with 2021. However, the overall trend was upward in the five years. The year 2022 has also seen a significant reduction in the number of new food raw materials applications compared with 2021. The number of proposed new food raw materials dropped as well.
The Status Quo of New Food Raw Materials: 2018-2022
Suggestions for stakeholders:
With the shift of COVID policy in late 2022, people’s awareness of health has been greatly enhanced due to concerns about post-infection symptoms. Coenzyme Q10, vitamins and probiotics started to gain widespread public acceptance. Food raw materials with functions to boost immunity, improve intestinal health or enhance brain health, can be the main focus of enterprises. In terms of applications for new food ingredients, challenges such as complex procedures and protracted evaluation periods exist during the application. Before submitting applications to the authority, it is recommended to carefully study the regulations in China and be fully prepared.
Our food compliance team from REACH24H Consulting Group, the founder of ChemLinked, has rich experience, expertise and strong communication ability with applicants and competent authorities. For any compliance query or demand, don't hesitate to contact us.
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