New Food Ingredients – on March 21, 2025, the National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) announced a public consultation on four new food ingredients: lutein esters, D-psicose/D-Allulose, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis LMG 11588. The consultation period will end on April 20, 2025.
| Proposed Ingredient | Details |
| D-psicose/D-Allulose | D-Allulose, a six-carbon ketose sugar, naturally occurs in small amounts in figs, kiwi, and wheat. It can be produced via microbial fermentation or enzyme conversion. The recommended daily intake is ≤20g, with restrictions for infants, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. |
| Microbial Strains for Infant Food | 2 new strains are proposed to be added to the approved list: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80, isolated from breast milk, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis LMG 11588, isolated from the gut of healthy infants. Both strains meet safety criteria outlined in national standards. |
| Lutein Esters | Lutein esters, derived from marigold flowers, are used in food products like baked goods, dairy, beverages, and candy. The daily usage limit is proposed to increase from 12 mg to 36 mg, with enhanced quality control and testing methods. |
D-Allulose’s Growing Potential
D-Allulose, a low-calorie sugar, is gaining traction globally as a novel sweetener. It is recognized as a “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substance in the U.S., approved as a natural health product ingredient in Canada, and allowed as a new food ingredient in Australia and New Zealand. As a promising alternative to traditional sweeteners, D-Allulose’s production and use in food manufacturing are rapidly expanding.
Bifidobacterium Strains for Infant Foods
The two new bacterial strains, B. animalis BLa80 and B. longum LMG 11588, are under review for inclusion in foods intended for infants. Both strains are recognized for their safety by China’s National Food Safety Standards and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These strains are already approved in the U.S. as GRAS substances.
Lutein Esters: Expanded Usage and Safety Standards
Lutein esters, derived from marigolds, have been a recognized food ingredient in China since 2008, with approved use in products such as baked goods, dairy, and beverages. The updated proposal suggests an increased allowable daily intake from 12 mg to 36 mg and introduces more comprehensive quality standards and testing methods.
source: Chinainformatics
The Implications
China is making efforts to align food safety regulations with global standards, fostering innovation and growth in the food sector. Such proposal opens up opportunities for Chinese manufacturers to expand into international markets, particularly with low-calorie sweeteners and probiotics. However, implementing these changes may present challenges, especially for smaller producers, requiring additional support for compliance.
