In recent years, fueled by consumers’ growing demand for low-calorie diets, sweetness-related keywords such as “low-sugar” and “zero-sugar” remain highly popular. Sugar substitutes are widely used in the downstream food and beverage industry, due to the characteristics of high-sweet, low-calorie, and not causing a rise in blood sugar levels.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) stands as a unique carbohydrate present exclusively in breast milk, ranking as the third-largest solid component, following lactose and fat. With diverse functions, HMOs plays a crucial role in enhancing the gut microbiota, boosting cognitive function, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, among other benefits. Currently, there are over 150 known types of HMOs, each with distinct structures, functions, and applications. Several types have initiated compliance efforts globally, with commercialization taking root first in the EU and the United States.

European Union (EU) has maintained a relatively stable trend of food substance approvals in Q2 over recent years, while the approval of food substances in Q1 and Q4 experience notable fluctuations. In contrast, Q3 has seen only one approval in 2021 and 2022, and none this year. While Q4 just started, it has seen two newly approved HMO substances, 3-FL and 6'-SL, both of which are of microbial origin.

On August 11, 2023, the European Commission released the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1627, amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 by adding bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (FCM No 1079) into the authorized substance list for food contact plastic materials.

EU 2023/1442 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No.10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food was published on July 11, 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, four novel foods have been approved by European Union (EU) in the second quarter of 2023. These are Cellobiose; 6’-Sialyllactose sodium salt produced by derivative strains of E. coli BL21(DE3); Iron milk caseinate, and Aqueous ethanolic extract of Labisia pumila

Some interesting novel food have been approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the first quarter of 2023, including two varieties of insects. These include: 1. Vitamin D2 mushroom powder; 2. Acheta domesticus (house cricket) partially defatted powder; 3. Pea and rice protein fermented by Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom) mycelia; 4. Lacto-N-tetraose produced by derivative strains of E. coli BL21(DE3); 5. Frozen, paste, dried and powder forms of Alphitobius diaperinus larvae; 6. 3’-Sialyllactose sodium salt produced by derivative strains of E. coli BL21(DE3); 7. Dried nuts of Canarium ovatum Engl.; 8. Bovine milk osteopontin; and 9. Roasted and popped kernels from the seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb.

On November 30, 2022, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2022/2340 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which included green tea extracts containing (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in restricted substance list. The Regulation has been in force since December 21, 2022, and food items that include green tea extracts containing EGCG, which do not comply with the requirements of this Regulation and were lawfully placed on the market before the entry into force of this Regulation will no longer be allowed to be on the market from June 21, 2023.

In recent years, with the rapid improvement of social medical level and the living standard, Chinese consumers are paying close attention to health. Besides, the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic since the beginning of 2020 has made everyone become more aware of the importance of health and the pursuit of health has become more urgent. Therefore, health food with specific health functions and/or could regulate body functions have gradually become the focus of consumers.

On the 8th October, CIRS Europe will join with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on hosting a free webinar on the topic of Chinese Food Regulations which apply to Pre-packaged General Foods. This is the second time this year that a European association requested CIRS to provide training on Chinese food regulations. Dublin Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1783, is the largest and most influential B2B networking organisation in Dublin. It represents over 1,300 businesses throughou