NIU’s Global Round-up: Brazil supplement use, CBD’s novel foods status in Germany, and more

LATAM​

Brazilian supplement users want more info on benefits: Survey​

Fifty-four percent of Brazilians surveyed by the Brazilian Association for the Special Purpose Food Industry (ABIAD) have use dietary supplements in the six months prior to the survey, with vitamins (61%), minerals (22%), botanical supplements (22%), fatty acids (17%), and protein (16%) found to be the top products used.

The data was collected in March and April of 2015.

Gislene Cardoso, ABIAD’s Executive Director, told NutraIngredients-LATAM that the association’s survey on “Dietary Supplementary Eating Habits in Brazil” put the sector as one of the fastest growing in the country in recent years, mainly due to the increased interest of the population in quality of life, correct nutrition, complementary daily diet, weight loss and well-being.

“In Brazil, [the supplement market] is around BRL 5.2 billion (Reais), contributing to the generation of jobs, opportunities, growth of the country and collection of taxes. Still, according to research, supplement consumers are aware about the pursuit of healthy and balanced diet and how dietary supplements can contribute to maintaining health.​

“The approval of the regulatory framework for food supplements in Brazil in July 2018 reflected ABIAD's articulation work, as well as all the professionals involved in the technical discussions, with The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa). This important step in the industry enables innovations for the productive sector, and facilitates access to the most modern, safe and effective food supplements for consumers.”​

For more on this, please click HERE​​.

Europe​

Germany confirms novel food classification of CBD​

Citing a lack of evidence of consumption before 15 May 1997, the Germany government has confirmed that cannabidiol (CBD) is to be classified as novel food, echoing the stance of the European Commission (EC), which added CBD to its Novel Food Catalogue in January.

The German government added that all applications must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“The significance of the ruling, beyond the technical legal arguments made under German law, is that it reaffirms that CBD hemp flowering bud extracts (as well as CBD "crystals"), when marketed as food or food supplements as in this case, are unauthorized novel foods,”​ explains Luca Bucchini, managing director of food regulation specialists Hylobates Consulting.

“Therefore, the authorities were right in blocking the commercialization of the products.”​

For more information on this, please click HERE​​.

Asia​

Japan’s Kirin expands iMUSE functional food brand to Vietnam ​

Kirin has expanded availability of its iMUSE products for the first time beyond Japan, with the launch of a functional probiotic beverage in Vietnam.

The iMUSE yoghurt & lemon flavored drink contains 100 billion Lactococcus lactis​ strain Plasma, which is reported to have immune health benefits, according to Kirin.

Takeshi Fukushima, general manager of marketing at Interfood Shareholding Company (Kirin Holdings subsidiary) told NutraIngredients-Asia​, the first month of sales in Vietnam achieved 250% versus target.

It retails for 13,000VND (US$0.50) per 280ml at supermarkets, convenience stores, school cafeterias, and school stores in Vietnam.