Following a positive safety opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) last year, a natural polyphenol with taste-modifying properties has been included in the EU Food Flavouring Regulation.
Since naringenin (FL No. 16.132) has been proven to pose no safety concerns under the specified conditions, it can now be incorporated into food and beverage products as a flavouring substance.
This decision was based on a robust scientific dossier collated by HealthTech BioActives (HTBA), which was an accumulation of eight years of research on the polyphenol.
Derived from citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges and lemons, naringenin has been touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Interestingly, a 2019 review from Salehi et al. found that naringenin can improve endothelial function, suggesting the ingredient's benefits go beyond taste modulation.
“This is a proud moment for HTBA and a meaningful step forward for innovation in natural flavor solutions,” commented HTBA's Chief Commercial Officer, Tom D’hoore.
“Our team’s commitment to scientific excellence helped make this approval possible, and we are thrilled that our customers in Europe can now use our naringenin to modulate taste and develop the next generation of consumer-friendly food and beverage products."
"This clean-label ingredient supports natural flavor claims and unlocks new formulation opportunities by improving sensory profiles across a variety of applications – from soft drinks and dairy to proteins, fortified and plant-based foods.”
