- Recently, the National Health Commission has newly accepted the applications for six novel food ingredients. These include silk fibroin protein, β-lactoglobulin (non-animal source), N-acetylneuraminic acid, Fusarium venenatum protein, Lactobacillus paracasei N1115, and L-ergothioneine.
- On February 8, the “National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives” (GB 2760-2024) was officially implemented! The 2014 version of the standard, which had been in use for 10 years, has now been repealed. The State Administration for Market Regulation reminds all food production enterprises to prepare in advance and strictly comply with the new standard when using food additives.
- A total of 58 strains are currently approved for use in conventional foods in China. At the beginning of 2025, the National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment plans to include Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3799 in the “List of Strains Permitted for Use in Food” and is soliciting public comments on this proposal.
- On February 21, Juneyao Health launched its new Wei Dongli Active Low-Temperature Probiotic Beverage. The product features two patented probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum CCFM1166 and Lactobacillus mucosae CCFM1058. It undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process with 24-step craftsmanship.
- On February 17, Bright Dairy held its first brand launch event of the year at Shanghai Radio and Television Station, introducing three new functional products targeting niche markets such as sleep support and high-protein nutrition. Among them, Bright Rushi High-Protein Pure Fermented Yogurt features a clean, additive-free formula designed to meet consumers’ needs for highly nutritious, high-protein yogurt. It also contains Bifidobacterium longum BD3150, a strain developed with Bright Dairy’s proprietary technology. Meanwhile, Bright Youjia Sleep-Aid Milk Powder includes Streptococcus thermophilus BD9818, another patented strain developed by Bright Dairy, along with traditional herbal ingredients such as spina date seed powder and poria powder.
- Recently, Sirio Pharma announced the successful strategic integration of the DeepSeek AI model. By incorporating the DeepSeek model, Sirio Pharma aims to develop an exclusive intelligent formula design system.
- On February 14, Thankcome Biological Science and Technology Co., Ltd announced that its self-developed Akkermansia muciniphila AKK PROBIO live probiotic strain had successfully passed the U.S. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) safety certification review.
- On February 18, Mengniu Dairy issued a profit warning, stating that its total revenue for 2024 is expected to decline year-on-year. The company estimates its net profit for 2024 to be between RMB 50 million and RMB 250 million (approximately USD 6.9 million to USD 34.6 million), marking a sharp decline from RMB 4.809 billion (approximately USD 664.6 million) in 2023.
- On February 18, FrieslandCampina released its 2024 financial report. The company’s operating profit increased to €527 million (approximately RMB 4 billion), while net profit rose to €321 million (approximately RMB 2.441 billion). However, due to unfavorable exchange rate effects, revenue slightly declined by 1.1% to €12.9 billion (approximately RMB 98.1 billion).
- Sweet Hour launched a new prebiotic seaweed snack. This product is made with premium Korean first-harvest tender seaweed, roasted at a constant temperature on both sides for a crispy and savory taste. Each 100g serving contains 1,500mg of prebiotics, and each package includes 36 individually wrapped servings.
- Future Star has launched a new HMO Specialized Children’s Formula Milk. This new product is designed for children aged 3 and above, featuring natural high-calcium and native protein. It contains two types of prebiotics, six vitamins, and five minerals to meet children’s daily nutritional needs.
- Recently, Juneyao Wei Dongli introduced the “Daily Sweet Dreams” probiotic beverage. This new product contains GABA, L-theanine from tea, sour jujube seed, and Six-Diamond Probiotic J26. The GABA and L-theanine are formulated in a 5:1 ratio, and each bottle contains approximately the same calories as one-sixth of an apple.
- Coca-Cola is set to launch its new prebiotic soda brand, Simply Pop, in an effort to gain a foothold in the rapidly growing health beverage market. The new drink is reportedly sugar-free, contains 25% to 30% pure fruit juice, and is fortified with vitamin C and zinc. Each serving also includes 6 grams of prebiotic fiber.
- O Positiv Health has introduced URO, a full-body probiotic designed specifically for women. The daily broad-spectrum probiotic formula is based on ten clinically studied probiotic strains, aimed at supporting gut, skin, and oral microbiome health. It also includes the digestive botanical dandelion, traditionally used as a diuretic to relieve bloating, and licorice root, commonly used as a digestive aid.
- On February 17, 2025, Journal of Food Science published a study exploring the proliferative effects of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) domains from red dragon fruit pectin on Bifidobacterium animalis.
- On February 11, 2025, npj Science of Food published a study on the Lactobacillus plantarum AR113 strain and its ability to mitigate gut microbiota dysbiosis and liver metabolic disorders induced by a Western diet (WD), which is characterized by high sucrose and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content.
- On February 14, Science and Technology Daily reported on a study led by a team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States. The research found that long-term yogurt consumption can alter the gut microbiome, potentially preventing certain types of colorectal cancer, particularly proximal colon cancer.
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