Weekly Trade Information-178

Coenzyme Q10 and Melatonin to Be Included in New Regulatory Rules

According to the news released on January 13, the Announcement on Adding Dosage Forms and Excipients to the Recorded Health Food Products Using Coenzyme Q10 and Melatonin as Raw Materials has been officially implemented since January 2026.

The new regulation expands the registered dosage forms of Coenzyme Q10 and Melatonin, allowing enterprises to develop new products such as gummies and powders.

A number of leading health food enterprises including BY-HEALTH and Kingdomway have stepped up adjustments to their production lines.

(Source: State Administration for Market Regulation)

EU Green Deal Drives Demand for Eco-friendly Additives; U.S. Congress Reviews Dietary Supplement Bill

On January 12, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a circular announcing the completion of the re-registration safety assessment for MON87705, a herbicide-tolerant and high oleic acid genetically modified soybean (the application was submitted by Bayer). The assessment showed that the soybean has stable molecular characteristics, and the newly expressed proteins pose no allergenic or toxic risks. The conclusions of the nutritional assessment remain unchanged, and no adverse effects have been identified through long-term environmental monitoring.

EFSA recommends continuous post-marketing surveillance for food uses after the approval of re-registration. It also endorses the labeling of "genetically modified soybean with high oleic acid and low linoleic acid" to protect consumers' right to know.

(Source: Official Website of the European Food Safety Authority)

From Creatine to Brain Vitality: Interpretation of the Top 10 Trends in Dietary Supplements for 2026

A number of formulation companies have showcased groundbreaking pectin and gelatin gummy technologies. In the past, it was difficult for gummies to incorporate a sufficient amount of creatine (1g–2.5g per piece) while maintaining desirable taste and texture. The new technology achieves a creatine loading rate of up to 30%–40%, enabling consumers to obtain an effective dose of 3g–5g by taking only two gummies. Meanwhile, these products are packaged as brightly colored, sweet-and-sour "brain snacks" or "women’s vitality gummies", completely breaking away from the dull and tedious image of traditional sports supplements.

Most food colorants are derived from petrochemical raw materials, and such "coloration" is incompatible with health concepts. As consumers’ aversion to these cosmetic additives continues to grow, coupled with concerns that regulatory authorities may impose stricter restrictions, brands are now more willing to pay a premium for natural colorants. This shift is driving natural colorants into a phase of rapid growth and innovation.

Longevity-focused supplements typically act at the cellular level, influencing four key processes through nutritional intervention: cellular protection, repair and renewal, detoxification and metabolism, and vitality enhancement. At the same time, these products also aim to improve visible signs of aging that consumers can perceive directly, such as joint stiffness, muscle loss, or skin sagging, thereby delivering more noticeable and tangible improvement effects.
(Source: Jung Food & Beverage)

3.1% for US East, 2.8% for Mediterranean! Four Major Shipping Routes See Price Hikes but Lack Momentum

Recently, the latest SCFI Freight Index released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange stood at 1647.39 points, down 0.5% from the previous period. However, freight rates of the four major shipping routes still edged up: Europe rose by 1.7%, Mediterranean by 2.8%, while US West and US East increased by 1.4% and 3.1% respectively.

For the Europe route, shipping demand remained stable and spot market booking prices inched up. Since the start of 2026, the upward momentum of freight rates for this route has been weak. Nevertheless, recent heavy snowfalls in Europe have severely disrupted transportation in most countries including the Netherlands, Germany and France, suspending operations at major ports like Hamburg and Rotterdam. Attention should be paid to potential cargo delays.

Transport demand for the North America route stayed relatively stable, with spot market booking prices maintaining an upward trend. Supported by carriers’ capacity control strategies and the pre-Spring Festival shipping peak, OA freight rates rose successfully at the beginning of January but the growth rate narrowed. It is expected that the FAK rates of some carriers, to be released in late January, will continue to climb. In the latter half of the month, many carriers will implement blank sailing policies, leading to tight OA shipping space. It is recommended that shippers with cargo in hand make advance arrangements.
(Source: Beijing International Freight Forwarders Association)

Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea Drive Up Transoceanic Shipping Costs of Health Food Ingredients

According to news from China Water Transport Network on January 10, the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea have pushed up the transoceanic shipping costs of health food ingredients by 30%–50%, with cold-chain ingredients such as NMN and probiotics bearing the brunt of the impact.

A number of shipping companies have suspended direct voyages through the Red Sea and diverted their routes via the Cape of Good Hope, which has extended the transportation cycle by 7–10 days. Meanwhile, the costs of cold-chain container leasing and insurance have surged in tandem.

Domestic enterprises are accelerating the adjustment of their procurement plans, giving priority to transporting ingredients from ASEAN and Europe via alternative routes such as the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and the China-Europe Railway Express to ensure supply stability.
(Source: China Water Transport Network)