Biova secures ‘first of a kind’ EU approval for eggshell membrane
Specifically permitting the use of egg membrane hydrolysate for the adult population at 450 milligrams per day (mg/day), the EC also granted US-based Biova exclusivity in the EU for five years.
“This is a tremendous achievement for Biova and a result of several years of teamwork,” said Biova’s CEO, Pat Schneider.
“Providing the necessary documentation on the safety and efficacy of our ingredients and have this awarded with the approval will make a big impact in our international sales efforts.”
Rich source of nutrients
Egg membrane hydrolysate is derived from the eggshell membranes of chicken eggs. The eggshells undergo hydro-mechanical separation in order to obtain the egg membranes.
These membranes undergo further processing using a patented solubilisation method. Following the solubilisation process, the solution is filtered, concentrated, spray-dried and packaged.
As well as a rich source of collagen, egg membrane also contains desmosine and isodesmosine, two amino acids which provide elastin’s flexible and resilient properties and help stimulate collagen synthesis.
The product also contains a number of polysacchairdes including glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid that serve as structural components of connective tissue, interstitial fluids, and cartilage matrix.
The EC said that as the source of the novel food comes from eggs, and therefore is a substances or products capable of causing an allergy or intolerance, food supplements containing egg membrane hydrolysate should be appropriately labelled.
As specified under EC Implementation Directive 2002/46/EC, Biova are required to label the foodstuffs containing the ingredients as “egg membrane hydrolysate”.
No border restrictions
Amanda Orloske, Biova’s senior director of marketing and international sales commented that with Novel Foods approval “companies can import Biova’s ingredients into EU member countries without concern of being stopped at the borders.
“US customers will also have a wider range of global expansion opportunities with our ingredients now,” she added.
Biova already supply this ingredient in the US under the brand name BiovaFlex, specifically formulated for joint health. The Iowa-based firm also make available BiovaDerm for skin care and BiovaPlex for animal health.
