Singapore – Pre-Market Approval Mandatory for Novel Foods
The first phase of Singapore’s Food Safety and Security Act (FSSA) took effect close to the end of 2025, introducing major regulatory requirements for providers of “defined food” and non-packaged drinking water. All entities that would like to farm, manufacture, distribute or sell Novel Foods in Singapore must ensure that their […]
FDA Proposes Adding Bemotrizinol to the List of Permitted Sunscreen Active Ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a proposed order that would add bemotrizinol to the list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients. According to the FDA: – bemotrizinol provides broad-spectrum UV protection and demonstrates low systemic absorption. – Bemotrizinol has a low irritation potential– if the proposed order is finalized, it would be […]
Novel Food Europe Updates: Summary from February 2026
Novel Food Status Catalogue Updates Below are the updates related to the new entries for the Novel Food Status Catalogue. These updates refer to the month of February 2026 and have impact on Food Supplements. Vicia faba L. (Fava bean) • Malted fava bean powder: Not Novel in Food. • Update: […]
UK – Probiotic term to be considered as a Health Claim
On January 19th, the UK Parliament’s Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that the term “Probiotic” will be considered as a health claim. The Department has considered that the term “Probiotic” constitutes a health claim as it implies that consuming a food product or Food Supplement containing these bacteria may […]
Thailand Simplifies Notification Process for Low-Risk Cosmetics
On December 2, 2025, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) published a new guidance document titled “Steps for Notifying Low-Risk Cosmetic Products.” The document aims to support manufacturers and importers in the notification process required for low-risk cosmetics in Thailand. Under Thai FDA definitions, low-risk cosmetics are products considered unlikely to cause harm […]
USA – FDA’s RFI on Future Gluten Labelling Regulations
Back in January, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on potential gaps in the current gluten labelling framework. Currently, products labelled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, manufacturers are not required to disclose all gluten-containing grains […]
EU Regulatory update for tea tree oil
After several years of debate regarding the safety of tea tree oil (TTO) in cosmetic products, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on 14 November 2025. The SCCS concluded that TTO can be considered safe as an anti-seborrhoeic and anti-microbial ingredient in four specific product categories, subject to strict […]
Taiwan – Safety Assessment for Novel Food Ingredients
On January 27, 2026, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) published the “Principles for Safety Assessment of Novel Food Ingredients.” These Principles, which will apply to Novel Food ingredients in Taiwan, describe the application process and the essential requirements to consider: 1. Definition of a […]
Novel Food Europe Updates: Summary from January 2026
Novel Food Status Catalogue Updates Below are the updates related to the new entries for the Novel Food Status Catalogue. These updates refer to the month of January 2026 and have impact on Food Supplements. Crithmum maritimum L. (Sea fennel, Rock samphire) • Leaves, stems and tender shoots: Not Novel in Food. […]
Argentina Introduces New Authorization System for Cosmetic Establishments
On October 27, Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Devices (ANMAT) issued Order No. 7939/2025, updating requirements for the authorization of business activities related to the manufacture, import, and distribution of cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and perfumes (collectively referred as cosmetic products). This new regulation will repeal existing frameworks and is part of […]
