Weekly Trade Information-182

Domestic Health Additives Upgrade toward Biomimetic Nutrition and Precision Processing

On February 5, 2026, the National Health Commission issued Announcement No. 1 of 2026, approving 11 new food additives, including 3 human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) such as 3'-Sialyllactose Sodium Salt, and 4 novel enzyme preparations such as D-Allulose-3-epimerase. HMOs can be used in infant formula and pediatric milk powder. Enzyme preparations support the production of low-calorie rare sugars and fructooligosaccharides. This approval drives the upgrading of domestic health additives toward biomimetic nutrition and precision processing.

(Source: Announcement on 22 Kinds of "New Three Food Products" Including Gardenia Oil, National Health Commission)

Spirulina Extract and Beet Red Expand Approved Uses as Natural Colors

On February 5, 2026, the U.S. FDA updated food coloring regulatory policy, formally approving expanded use for two natural color additives—spirulina extract and beet red—to cover most foods except infant formula.
It also explicitly allows compliant claims such as “No Artificial Colors”, accelerating the industry’s phase-out of petroleum-based synthetic colors.

(Source: FDA Announces Update to “No Artificial Colors” Claims, Approves Two Color Additive Petitions)

Known as "Desert Ginseng," this medicinal & edible herb helps delay kidney aging

Extensive previous studies have shown that Cistanche can alleviate pathological kidney damage in rat models of diabetic nephropathy, reduce inflammatory cytokine levels, and improve renal function, further confirming its kidney-protective potential.

Medicinal Cistanche is derived from the dried succulent stems of Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma and Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Wig. It is well-known for nourishing kidney yin, replenishing essence, activating blood circulation, and relaxing bowels.

Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) also records that Cistanche is famous for "tonifying the kidney, replenishing essence, and prolonging life." Clinically, it is commonly used to treat impotence and senile constipation.
With these diverse benefits, Cistanche has earned the reputation as the "Desert Ginseng".In addition to delaying kidney aging, it also exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

(Source: Food Research and Application FTA)

Divisions Over Red Sea Resumption; Caution Advised

According to Shipping (Shippingjie.com), despite escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Maersk has announced the resumption of two routes through the Red Sea. Some liner companies have continued transiting the Suez Canal and Red Sea without any attacks.

Notably, media speculation suggests Maersk may be transporting equipment for the U.S. military to the Middle East to support the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group—a possible reason behind the partial resumption of its routes.

Meanwhile, security uncertainty in the Middle East has risen as U.S. President Trump considers military action against Iran. Unlike Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, major liner companies are delaying large-scale resumption of Red Sea services. Analysts predict a full-scale return to the Red Sea may not occur until around China’s National Day in October.

(Source: Shipping)

Weigao Daily - Weigao Express

For vitamin E 50% feed grade, the current market is dominated by suspended quotations and reluctant selling.

Up to now, the small number of domestic transaction prices in the early stage have risen to 56–57 RMB, with some quotations reaching 57–58 RMB.The export FOB price has also risen to 6.8–7 USD.

The market is generally optimistic about the post-Spring Festival market outlook.

(Source: Weigao Daily)