CIRS Group Assists Client in Securing Approval for New Antioxidant Hydroxytyrosol

On August 5, 2024, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) issued Announcement No. 3 of 2024, officially approving eight “three new foods.” Among them is hydroxytyrosol, a new food additive for which CIRS Group assisted a client in the synthetic biology field in securing approval.

The approval details are as follows:

No.	Food additive	Function	Food category number	Food name/category	Maximum level (g/kg)	Note
1	Hydroxytyrosol	Antioxidant	02.01.01	Vegetable oils and fats	0.05	—

CIRS Group has collaborated closely with the client to prepare thorough documentation, ensuring a smooth application process. Their combined efforts resulted in a successful approval, marking the first time hydroxytyrosol has been approved for use in the food industry in China, representing a significant milestone in its regulatory path.

About Hydroxytyrosol

Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenolic compound naturally found in olives and olive oil that has garnered significant attention for its exceptional antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, hydroxytyrosol helps reduce oxidation in foods, extending shelf life and preserving flavor. It has been approved for use in the food industry by the US FDA, the European Commission, and other regulatory bodies, and can be found in various food products, including vegetable oils.

In fact, beyond its use as an antioxidant in foods, hydroxytyrosol is gaining significant attention as a potential supplement due to its health benefits. It is being explored in the fields of nutritional supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, with research and applications focusing on cardiovascular health, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and skin protection. In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved the health claim that “olive oil polyphenols help protect blood lipids from oxidative damage.”

About the CIRS Food Team

Established in 2012, the Food Team at CIRS Group has helped over 1,000 domestic and international food and related companies with “one-stop” food compliance services. We have numerous successful cases in areas such as China's “three new foods” (new food raw materials, new food additives, and new food-related products), synthetic biology foods, US GRAS certification, EU Novel Food, health foods, foods for special medical purposes (FSMP), and infant formula applications.

Leveraging our technical know-how, extensive resources, and global network, we offer a range of services including:

• China's “three new foods” applications (including synthetic biology new ingredients/new additives);
• US GRAS certification;
• EU Novel Food application;
• health food registration and filing;
• FSMP and infant formula registration;
• general food compliance;
• laboratory testing; and
• regulatory information tracking and training.

We aim to help clients achieve product compliance, swiftly gain market access, and boost their competitiveness.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@hfoushi.com.