Weekly Trade Information-180

EFSA Releases Safety Assessment Report for Novel Plant-Based Protein Ingredients, Approving a New Extraction Process for Pea Protein Peptides for Healthy Food Applications and Boosting Innovation in Plant-Based Supplements & Functional Foods

On January 23, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued its assessment report (EFSA-Q-2025-00892), certifying the compliance of a combined enzymatic hydrolysis-membrane separation extraction process for pea protein peptides developed by a Dutch enterprise.

This process removes allergenic lectins and anti-nutritional factors, achieving a protein purity of 95% with peptide molecular weights concentrated below 1000 Da. It increases human absorption rate by 22% compared with traditional processes and cuts energy consumption by 16%. The new regulation approves its application in products such as protein bars and meal replacement shakes, catering to niche groups including vegetarians and sports nutrition consumers. It will drive the upgrade of the EU’s plant-based healthy food ingredient market; multiple brands plan to launch related new products in Q3 2026, accelerating the market shift from animal protein to plant-based protein alternatives.

(Source: EFSA Official Website, Assessment Report dated January 23, 2026; Industry Report by NutraIngredients-Europe dated January 25, 2026)

NHWC Publicizes Acceptance of Three New Food Additive Raw Materials Including Garlic Oil and Isoamylase, Accelerating the Compliance and Innovative Application of Healthy Food Ingredients

On January 25, the Government Service Platform of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHWC) publicized the acceptance and approval information for three new varieties of food additives, namely Garlic Oil (No. WSATAN [2026] 0002), Isoamylase (No. 0003), and D-psicose-3-epimerase (No. 0004), with the acceptance dates falling between January 13 and 16.
Garlic Oil can be used for flavoring and antioxidant purposes; Isoamylase is suitable for the production of low-GI foods; and the epimerase facilitates the large-scale production of D-psicose, a zero-calorie sweetener. The acceptance of these raw materials sends a signal for ingredient innovation, guiding enterprises to lay out the development of clean label and functional raw materials. It also provides new options for sugar-reduced and nutrient-fortified healthy foods, and accelerates the industrialization of relevant raw materials.

(Source: Public Notice of the Government Service Platform of NHWC, January 25, 2026; Industry Compilation and Interpretation by China Foreign Trade Compliance Center, January 26, 2026)

This Red Fruit Regulates Uric Acid and Delivers Anti-Inflammatory & Cardioprotective Benefits!

Extracts of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) may serve as a natural solution for these two major health concerns. Long-term supplementation with tart cherry can not only significantly improve uric acid metabolism but also indirectly safeguard heart health. Though tart in taste, tart cherries are rich in nutrients and also a natural source of melatonin.

Modern research has revealed that tart cherries contain phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid), flavonoids (flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins), proanthocyanidins, vitamins (vitamin C), minerals, carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sorbitol, sucrose, galactose and xylose), organic acids (malic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, quinic acid, succinic acid and fumaric acid), fatty acids, triterpenoids and amino acids. These bioactive components endow tart cherries with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cognitive-enhancing properties.

(Source: Food Research and Application FTA)

Weigao Daily - Pharma Connects the Globe

Tylosin Tartrate / Tilmicosin: Major manufacturers are currently firming up their prices. Having just passed the peak usage season, the market is succumbing to weakened demand, with inventory-driven bargaining power remaining weak and transaction prices trending downward. Given the substantial price cuts in the early stage, the market is expected to see volatility and consolidation as the main trend in Q1.The current market price of tylosin hovers around RMB 272/kg, and that of tilmicosin phosphate stands at approximately RMB 305/kg.

(Source: Weigao Daily)

Luckin Launches a Host of Specialty Coffee Creations! Netizens: Is This the Luckin We Know?!

It’s reported that a few days ago, Luckin’s Origin Flagship Store at Shenzhen Galaxy Twin Towers officially opened for business. According to the official statement, this new outlet marks the brand’s 30,000th store, a milestone of extraordinary significance for Luckin.

As such, this store numbered 30000 not only offers the regular drinks available at standard Luckin locations, but also features store-exclusive specialty coffee creations and pour-over coffees to celebrate this 30,000-store milestone. According to the menu on Luckin’s official mini-program, the brand has launched a total of six new specialty coffee creations, among which Crimson Moonlight is available with an alcoholic option. The store has also added three pour-over coffee options, and customers can watch the entire barista preparation process at the bar on the second floor after placing an order.

Notably, all these store-exclusive drinks are priced affordably: every specialty creation is fixed at RMB 15.9. Compared with contemporary craft coffee drinks that often cost dozens of yuan, this price is incredibly appealing to coffee lovers. For this reason, many netizens have flocked to this 30,000th Luckin store in Shenzhen to check it out, drawn by its brand-new menu and down-to-earth pricing.

(Source: Coffee Workshop)