A significant regulatory milestone for the food and beverage sector is being heralded by HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) after the EU Food Flavouring Regulation now formally includes naringenin (FL No 16.132), a naturally occurring polyphenol with special taste-modifying qualities.
The industry leader in the development of citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12 for nutrition and health said the development follows the positive safety opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) last year, which concluded that the use of naringenin as a flavouring substance does not pose safety concerns under the specified conditions and is not expected to mislead consumers. The European Commission has therefore found it appropriate to authorise its use.
HTBA said it is proud to have supported this achievement by developing and submitting a robust scientific dossier that contributed to EFSA’s favourable assessment in 2024. This marks the culmination of an eight-year regulatory journey in which HTBA played a key role.
“This is a proud moment for HTBA and a meaningful step forward for innovation in natural flavour solutions,” comments Tom D’hoore, chief commercial officer at HTBA. “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 flavour 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.”
