The Chinese government has recently approved 11 new food materials and additives, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This includes three products made from genetically modified (GM) microorganisms.
On May 7, these approvals were granted, and the enzymes cited in the approval are commonly used in food processing. Interestingly, they don’t require special labeling, which means consumers might not even be aware they are in products they consume.
Among the approved GM enzymes are peroxidase and xylanase. Additionally, a GM additive called lacto-N-neotetraose has been approved for specific quality requirements in food. The USDA also highlighted another ingredient: 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL). This is a human milk oligosaccharide that helps fortify nutrition, especially in infant formulas. The new version of 2’-FL comes from a different host and donor than the one previously approved in 2023.
Some new raw materials include rye pollen and Sakura polyphenols, which can now be used in various products like dairy, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate. Magnesium oxide also received an expanded scope for use with surface-treated fresh citrus fruits. Hydrogen peroxide was approved for processing yeast-based products, expanding its application in the food industry.
Experts in food science have noted that these approvals highlight China’s evolving stance on food safety and innovation. As consumer preferences shift toward transparency, the industry faces pressure to clearly communicate the use of such additives.
According to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council, nearly 60% of consumers are interested in understanding food ingredients better. While innovations like these may enhance product development, they also raise questions about labeling and consumer awareness.
For more on global food regulations and innovations, you can check the USDA’s reports or the latest updates on food safety from trusted sources like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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