Sabinsa Honored with Sustainability Award
India's Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has recognized Sabinsa's Sami Kunigal facility for its "outstanding performance in environment, health, and safety." The award recognizes the company's manufacturing location for its:
- Safety Compliance: The plant facilities are designed according to safety norms, with well-planned emergency escape routes ensuring worker safety.
- Fire Safety: The facility is prepared for quick response in case of fire emergencies equipped with fire extinguishers, safety appliances, and a fire hydrant system.
- Health and First Aid: The plant provides first aid services and has an occupational health center to address employees health and wellbeing.
- Environmental Compliance: The plant has a self-supported boiler chimney (70 meters high and 400mm diameter) to manage emissions in line with PCB norms, showcasing environmental responsibility.
- Water Conservation: The implementation of a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) wastewater management system minimizing environmental impact by ensuring no industrial wastewater is released into the environment.
- Award Recognition: The Kunigal Unit's performance in safety and environmental sustainability has been formally recognized with the Environmental Sustainability Award from the KSPCB, Tumakuru.
Global CEO & Managing Director of Sabinsa, Shaheen Majeed, explained the awards significance: “This recognition not only highlights our dedication to safeguarding the wellbeing of our employees through stringent safety measures but also underscores our responsibility to the local community and the environment. It signifies the strong and enduring partnership between our plant and the KSPCB, and reinforces our shared goal of building a sustainable, safe, and health-conscious workplace. By meeting and exceeding the rigorous standards set by KSPCB, we continue to foster a harmonious balance between industrial growth, community welfare, and environmental preservation.”
FDA States Amanita muscaria Not GRAS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared Amanita muscaria, its extracts, and several constituents (muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine), are unapproved food additives and do not meet the standard of evidence to be found Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The decision comes after news of several incidents and recalls involving products alleged to contain muscimol in 2024. In a letter issued to industry manufacturers, FDA warns against the use of Amanita muscaria in conventional food due to the lack of safety evidence in favor of its consumption.
A. muscaria has long been considered toxic by the FDA, and is included in FDA’s Bad Bug Book. A. muscaria mushrooms have been documented to cause symptoms ranging from delirium, gastrointestinal, and sleepiness with a rapid onset and alternating periods of drowsiness and excitement for several hours after consumption. In the last year, CFSAN’s Adverse Event Reporting System reported incidences of central nervous system depression, drowsiness, seizures, and hospitalizations associated with the consumption of products containing A. muscaria, its extracts, or certain constituents (muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine).
dsm-firmenich Names Winners of Pioneering Grant
Five research projects have been selected to advance gut health research in the Asia-Pacific region through dsm-firmenich's inaugural Nutrition Research Grant. Each recipient will receive €50,000 to support up to 18 months of new research advancing the scientific understanding of gut health. The grant's theme, “Health from the Gut across the Human Lifespan”, will highlight the growing recognition of gut health as a foundation for overall wellbeing across the Asia-Pacific region.
“We were very impressed with the quality and depth of submissions we received. Applications came in from nine different countries across the Asia-Pacific region and we engaged two key-opinion leaders in microbiome and clinical nutrition to select the top five projects. We are excited to work closely with these researchers to uncover how different biotics can modulate the gut microbiome and to expand our knowledge of the microbiome-health relationship," commented Anneleen Spooren, Senior Vice President, Innovation, R&D & Regulatory, Health, Nutrition and Care (HNC), dsm-firmenich.
Recipients of the dsm-firmenich Nutrition Research Grant were:
- Asst Prof. Bahrul Fikri, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. Observational study: HMOs in Breastmilk and their relation to Gut Bifodobacterium, Vitamin D, and Immune Modulation in Infants.
- Assoc Prof. Chong Chun Wie, Monash University, Malaysia. Randomized Controlled Trial: Assessing the Combination effect of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and probiotics on an Overweight Cohort.
- Assoc Prof. Jeremy Lim, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Pre-clinical study: Identification of Postbiotics and Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) that Improve Gut Microbiome and Host Health in Asian Adults.
- Prof. Ji-Yeon Kim, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, South Korea. Animal model study: Postbiotics and Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) as a Modulator of Cellular Senescence by Enhancing Gut Barrier Function.
- Prof. Yongsoon Park, Hanyang University, South Korea. Randomized Controlled Trial: Effects of Postbiotics on Mood Disorders in Korean Adults.
Nature Made Gives Away Free Lunch
Nature Made is giving away $50,000 in free lunches to pharmacist who register to participate in its "Fuel for Pharmacists Powered by Nature Made" campaign. To celebrate National Pharmacist Day on January 12th, select pharmacists will be gifted a $25 Uber Eats voucher to encourage them to take advantage of their free time to recharge and reset before getting back to caring for others. “At Nature Made, we recognize the valuable care and compassion pharmacists deliver to consumers day in and day out. We want to help them care for themselves in that same way,” shared Jeff Boutelle, CEO, Pharmavite, makers of Nature Made. “Most pharmacies close for lunch each day, and we wanted to help pharmacists make the most of this well-deserved break by caring for them in time for National Pharmacist Day.”
To participate, pharmacist can register at fuelforpharmacists.com from January 3-9. Winners will receive their redeemable vouchers on January 10th.
Another campaign launched by the brand this month was a Times Square billboard ad takeover celebrating the joy of health and caring relationships. The promotion premiered during the New Year's Rockin' Eve, Live from Times Square on CNN, NYE Prime Nashville's Big Bash, and College Football Playoff programming on January 1st. "As the Number 1 Pharmacist Recommended vitamin and supplement brand, Nature Made is tapping into the energy of the season with a campaign that highlights how it’s made to care for you every day," explained Rhonda Hoffman, Chief Growth Officer at Pharmavite.
PeptiStrong Receives FDA GRAS Approval
Nuritas’ flagship muscle health ingredient, PeptiStrong, has been issued a Letter of No Objection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. The plant-based peptide derived from fava bean protein, is made up of a proprietary blend of precision peptides that are clinically proven to preserve the body’s strength and increase its ability to recover. “We’re thrilled by this acknowledgement, as it further expands our access to an even larger customer base,” said Nuritas CCO Chris Lindsay. “PeptiStrong is already widely used by many fantastic partners worldwide. This confirmation will further accelerate our penetration with large multinational CPG companies.”
With the FDA’s recent approval, PeptiStong has been deemed safe for use at 2.4g per serving with a wide variety of food applications including dry-blend powders, meal replacement drinks and bars, gummies, ready-to-drink beverages, protein and energy bars, milk analogs, and baked goods. Combined with multiple clinical trials illustrating its ability to enhance muscle mass, recovery, strength, and energy while reducing exercise-induced inflammation, Nuritas believes its product is poised for new opportunities within the growing health and wellness industry.
Ahmad Tea Receives Sustainability Award
Ahmad Tea has received the King's Award for Enterprise for its sustainable development programs. One of 252 organizations in the UK to receive the award in 2024, the honor is given to companies positively impacting communities in the UK and around the world. Since its inception in 1986, Ahmad Tea has supported several causes and programs including the Southampton General Hospital, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Stroke Association, Alzheimer’s Society, Parklife Community action café, Macmillan Cancer Support, Make a Wish Foundation, and the Murray Parish Trust.
"As a company, giving back is part of our DNA so being recognized in such a prestigious way is a dream come true," shared Ebraham Afshar, Managing Director of Ahmad Tea. "We try to make a difference in all of the markets where we source, pack and sell our tea and we owe so much to so many people in our supply chain, for their support. For example, building Razavi Cancer Hospital in Sri Lanka was our way of thanking our supporters in the country over the years. I would like to dedicate this award to our staff and partners who work tirelessly to support projects like these. The incredible impact would have not been possible without their determination to make a difference."
Mangoceuticals Acquires Patent
A patent for mushroom-derived compositions and methods of treatment has been given to Mangoceuticals Inc (MangoRx). The patent creates opportunities for the combination of these compounds in exact dosages to maximize synergistic effects, incorporates nutraceutical compositions derived from functional mushrooms, including recognized varieties like Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), and Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane), and opens doors for creating targeted wellness products that cater to diverse health needs.
“This acquisition is a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge wellness solutions,” commented Jacob Cohen, Founder and CEO of MangoRx, who continued, “We believe that the unique properties of these mushroom-derived formulations offer tremendous potential for products that can address a wide spectrum of health concerns, from immune support to cognitive enhancement.”
Mangoceuticals plans to use its newly acquired patent to research and develop a new line of wellness products. Future proprietary formulations are planned to meet the needs of growing demand for adaptogens and functional supplements that promote long-term health.
ICL Announces Subsequent Investment
Specialty mineral company, ICL, has declared its follow-on investment in Plantible Foods. Building upon its initial financing, ICL participated in the company's Series B funding round, furthering the strategic collaboration between the two entities. This investment marks the latest event in the collaboration between the two companies. In October 2023, ICL Food Specialties and Plantible Foods launched Rovitaris Binding Solution powered by Rubi Protein. The original ingredient went on to receive the Ingredient Idol Award and be recognized during the SupplySide West (SSW) conference in November 2024 as the most innovative food ingredient of the year. (Read more awards and honors from SSW: 2024 SupplySide West Takes Over Vegas.)
With the global clean label ingredients market expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6.4% and projected to reach $99 billion by 2034, according to Global Market Research, ICL's investment in Plantible Foods helps position the company to meet the developing demands of consumers and capitalize on new market opportunities. "Our continued investment in Plantible Foods underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry,” said Hadar Sutovsky, Vice President of Corporate Investments at ICL. “We are excited to support Plantible's growth and the development of their groundbreaking plant-based proteins."
Yeastup Debuts Innovative Production Site
After securing CHF 8.9M in Series A funding, Yeastup AG is establishing a new large-scale production site in Switzerland. Featuring its patented extraction process, the location will repurpose a former dairy site and have the capacity to upcycle over 20,000 tons of brewers' spent yeast annually. The innovative operation, which isolates protein, beta-glucan and mannoprotein in a single industrial process, will create high-quality, functional products that have a wide range of application possibilities within the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.
The new production facility will help Yeastup meet current and future market demand and serve as the reference site for global scaling efforts. “As a former food technologist in brewing and startup entrepreneur in the functional food space, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our groundbreaking innovation has convinced consumers, partners, and investors. There are so many compelling reasons why this makes sense for all stakeholders. This support motivates me and the entire team to go the extra mile for Yeastup,” shared Daniel Gnos, CEO of Yeastup.
W-Cycle and Melhoramentos Collaborate on Food Containers
Clean-tech company W-Cycle is joining forces with Brazilian forest manager and developer, Melhoramentos, to produce compostable packaging made from renewable materials that naturally decompose within 100 days. The strategic partnership, which set for an initial term of three years, will incorporate Melhoramentos high-performance cellulose fibers, sourced from their extensive renewable forestry operations, with W-Cycle's proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services to create a new advanced biodegradable packaging that will meet the growing demand within the food industry for sustainable alternatives.
The final product offering will be grease-resistant, moisture-proof, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, and an efficient eco-friendly replacement for single-use plastics. Rafael Gibini, CEO of Melhoramentos, spoke on the potential of the joint products impact, "Our collaboration with W-Cycle opens the door to a new and inspiring use for our cellulose-based natural resources. Together, we're ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging and pave the way for a more sustainable future."
