Weekly Trade Information-194

Six New Varieties of Food Additives Released for Public Comment; Lacto‑N‑tetraose & Others Boost Functional Food Upgrading

On May 20, 2026, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment launched a public consultation on six new varieties of food additives, including Lacto‑N‑tetraose (LNT), casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and galacto‑oligosaccharides, with feedback due by June 20.

Among them, LNT is a novel human milk oligosaccharide fortifier approved for use in infant formula foods. Fermented thaumatin and enzymatically produced ascorbyl palmitate feature natural‑source and clean‑label attributes, suitable for zero‑sugar beverages, baked goods and supplement formulations.

This expansion will enrich nutritional fortification and natural replacement solutions, driving the functionalization and higher‑safety upgrading of food additives.

(Source: China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Mate Network)

Health Supplements & Food Additives Advance Toward "Precision Nutrition + Clean Label" in Dual Tracks

Consensus within the global health industry this week indicates the sector is shifting from single‑ingredient solutions toward precision nutrition and multi‑functional formulations, with clean labeling and bio‑manufacturing emerging as core development directions.

On the supplement side, creatine and collagen peptides have expanded beyond the fitness niche, while demand surges for GLP‑1 adjunct ingredients, postbiotics and cognitive‑support compounds.

In the food additive segment, penetration rates of natural sweeteners (erythritol, monk fruit extract) and probiotic‑prebiotic blend additives keep rising.
Synthetic biology and microencapsulation technologies enable greener and more efficient production, improving the stability and absorption rate of active ingredients.

Consumers increasingly prioritize high purity, traceability and third‑party testing, making compliance and transparency key competitive advantages.

(Source: Nutrition Insight, Plant Extract Bridge)

Four New Food Ingredients Near Final Approval; L‑Ergothioneine to Expand Health Supplement Market

On May 22, 2026, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment announced the end of public consultation for four new food ingredients:

L‑ergothioneine, glucosyl hesperidin, sodium poly‑γ‑glutamate and silk fibroin, which are expected to receive official approval soon.

L‑ergothioneine, known as the “longevity vitamin”, has a daily usage limit of 20 mg and can be applied in functional beverages and health supplements. Sodium poly‑γ‑glutamate serves both as a thickener and a mineral absorption enhancer.
The new approvals will enrich formulations for antioxidant and anti‑aging supplements and drive the natural and multi‑functional upgrading of food additives.

Enterprises are advised to make compliance preparations in advance, label unsuitable populations clearly, and strictly abide by advertising regulations.

(Source: China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Plant ExtractBridge)

EFSA Validates NMN Safety, Opening New Opportunities for EU Health Supplement Market

On May 15, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) officially announced that NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has passed safety assessment, confirming its safety for use in dietary supplements at recommended doses.

Subject to no objections from the European Commission, NMN will be approved for sale across the EU following the U.S. and Australia, becoming a newly compliant anti‑aging ingredient for European health supplements.

This move will fuel the expansion of the European health supplement market and offer compliance opportunities for food additive enterprises to develop formulations related to anti‑aging and energy metabolism. Industry insiders project that NMN‑containing products will launch in multiple EU countries before the end of the year, with a potential market size exceeding EUR 500 million.

(Source: CIRS Group, Plant Extract Bridge)

China’s Exports of Health Supplements & Food Additives Face Shipping Pressure; Red Sea Freight Rates Surge 50% Month‑on‑Month

On May 21, 2026, according to CLS.cn, driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and high fuel costs, container shipping routes via the Red Sea and to Europe have suffered severe space shortages and sharp freight hikes this week.

Exporters of health supplements (e.g., CoQ10, fish oil) and food additives (e.g., sodium citrate, high‑fructose corn syrup) are under mounting cost pressure. Freight rates for Red Sea‑bound routes rose 40%–50% month‑on‑month. Several carriers have increased FAK rates for Asia‑Europe routes since mid‑May, and tight space has prolonged delivery lead times.

Industry experts advise relevant exporters to secure shipping space in advance and optimize customs declaration documents to mitigate compliance and delay risks.

(Source: CLS.cn, Food Mate Network)