Weekly Trade Information-210

EFSA Approves S‑Acetyl‑L‑Glutathione (SAG) for Use in Dietary Supplements

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a positive safety opinion on S‑acetyl‑L‑glutathione (SAG) this week. It approves the substance as a novel food ingredient for dietary supplements for individuals aged 10 years and above, with a maximum daily intake set at 300 mg, excluding pregnant and lactating women.

SAG features superior bioavailability and is a popular supplement ingredient targeting the antioxidant segment recently approved in Europe. This opinion will be submitted to the European Commission for final authorization. Once approved, Chinese ingredient manufacturers may file applications for exports to the EU, subject to strict compliance with dosage limits and labelling claim requirements.

(Source: NutraIngredients)

Updated Specifications for Fermented Lycopene and Vanillin

The China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment has opened a public consultation on seven new varieties of food additives and nutritional fortifiers this week. The list includes nutritional ingredients such as 3-fucosyllactose and sodium 6'-sialyllactose. Meanwhile, the permitted usage scope of curdlan and sanzan gum is expanded, and specification standards for fermented lycopene and vanillin are updated.

Once the new regulations take effect, the relevant ingredients may be further applied in infant formula powder, dietary supplements and functional foods. Industry insiders note that this review signals accelerated approvals for natural fermented ingredients. Nevertheless, enterprises must rigorously implement safety assessments and labelling requirements, which will bring compliance implications for health supplement manufacturers regarding new product filings and formula adjustments.

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

Tightening Global Market Access for Creatine Monohydrate

In the US, creatine monohydrate obtained an FDA GRAS Notice of No Objection (GRN 931) in 2020, permitting its use as a food fortification ingredient. [Sources: Frontiers; rxwellz; foodtalks]

Starting January 2026, Amazon mandates third-party cGMP verification for all dietary supplements. Approved Amazon TICs include Certified Laboratories, Eurofins, Intertek, Merieux, NSF, SGS and UL. Non-compliant listings will be removed after a 90-day grace period. Certificates of Analysis (COA) must be validated by an approved TIC and remain valid for 12 months. [Source: ShelfTrend 2026] Imports also require FSVP registration.

In Canada, creatine is classified as a Natural Health Product (NHP), and an NPN licence is mandatory prior to market launch. The NNHPD released a dedicated monograph for creatine monohydrate on 28 June 2024, specifying dosage guidelines: loading phase at 15–20 g/day and maintenance phase at 3–5 g/day. [Sources: UBC Wiki; Frontiers] We provide OEM manufacturing services, while the NPN licence and certified production site shall be the responsibility of our partner.

EFSA concluded that high-purity creatine monohydrate at 3 g/day is safe for healthy adults in the EU. Only two health claims are permitted: improved muscle strength in adults aged 5+ when combined with resistance training, and enhanced performance in short-duration repeated high-intensity exercise. The daily maximum dose is 3 g (4 g allowed in Denmark and several other countries). [Sources: foodtalks; EFSA 2016; kuajingren] Multi-functional health claims are not permitted in the EU.

Within China, creatine monohydrate may be used in sports nutrition foods, but its use is prohibited in ordinary foods and health foods.

(Source: Chuhai De Naxie Daodao)

Evidence-Based Ingredients + Synthetic Biology + Clean Label: Three Mainstream Trends

The FFIC Functional Food Industry Conference held this week in Guangzhou released key industry signals. The health supplement and food additive sectors are accelerating their shift toward three mainstreams: evidence-based ingredients, synthetic biology and clean label. Consumers no longer focus merely on concepts; they place greater value on clinical research data and ingredient traceability. Synthetic biology-derived sweet proteins and fermented nutritional fortifiers continue to gain traction, meeting both sugar-reduction needs and green production goals.

Meanwhile, tightening regulations have made efficacy claims and label compliance hard thresholds for both export and domestic sales. The industry is accelerating the phasing-out of products, lacking scientific support, and supply-chain resources are converging on leading enterprises with in-house strain and ingredient R&D capabilities.

(Source: China Food News)

Asia-Europe Freight Rates See a Drop; Peak Season and Route Adjustments Require Continuous Monitoring

According to mid-September market data, container freight rates on key Asia-Europe routes have declined compared with earlier periods, with slight falls recorded on the Shanghai-Rotterdam and Shanghai-Genoa lanes. Nevertheless, the global shipping market remains affected by multiple factors including fuel prices, route adjustments and peak-season shipping demand.

Some carriers are gradually resuming Asia-Europe services via the Suez Canal to cut transit time and boost transport efficiency. Exporters are still advised to confirm sailing schedules and space bookings in advance and keep track of rate fluctuations and potential surcharges.

(Source: Freightos / Reuters)