France – French Pharmacopoeia updated vs the impact on botanicals used in Food and Food Supplements

  French Pharmacopoeia has been updated and now includes certain plants and plant parts used in Food and Food Supplements       Back in January, Lists A and B of the French Pharmacopoeia were revised, introducing new (medicinal) plants and plant parts. These changes impact the marketing of certain botanicals in Food and Food […]

Belgium – Garcinia cambogia & its anticipated formal ban

  Garcinia cambogia & its anticipated formal ban     In December 2025, the Belgian Advisory Commission for Plant Preparations published an opinion on the use of Garcinia cambogia in Food Supplements.     The Commission recognised the traditional food and medicinal use of Garcinia cambogia in Asia and confirmed the following:        […]

Europe – EFSA Public Consultation on Fennel Preparations

      Public Consultation on Fennel Preparations     Until September 17, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is conducting a public consultation regarding its draft scientific opinion on the safety of preparations made from the fruits of sweet and bitter fennel.     In summary, the draft opinion states:         […]

Dominican Republic: Proposed Regulation for Food Supplements

    Proposed Regulation for Food Supplements     The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic completed the public consultation on a draft of the Sanitary Regulation of Foods. This Regulation aims to establish a unified framework for all food products, including Food Supplements.      Currently, there is no specific regulation for […]

Belgium: Draft Royal Decree for Manufacturing and Trading Foodstuffs with Plants

    Draft Royal Decree to Amend Legislation on Manufacturing and Trading Foodstuffs with Plants or Plant Preparations Submitted     On July 1st, the Belgian authorities submitted a new TRIS notification regarding a draft Royal Decree that amends the existing legislation on the manufacture and trade of foodstuffs containing plants or plant preparations.   […]

Europe – List of botanicals at risk of being banned

    Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Discussions between the European Commission (EC) and Member States about Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) have concluded. EC has confirmed that it has presented a proposal to ban ALA in foods, including Food Supplements.   The industry and various trade associations proposed managing the risk of ALA consumption through labelling requirements, as […]