USA
FDA to provide update on CBD regulatory structure by “early fall”
The US Food and Drug Administration is planning to provide an update on progress around a potential new regulatory structure for CBD by early autumn, while also stressing that the Agency remains vigilant around enforcement, particularly around CBD products making disease claims.
In a statement, FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless said: “As we examine potential regulatory pathways for the lawful marketing of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds like CBD, protecting and promoting public health remains our top priority. Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims — such as claims that CBD products can treat serious diseases and conditions — can put patients and consumers at risk by leading them to put off important medical care.”
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Europe
UK bans sale of energy drinks to U16s
Following a public consultation, the British government will restrict the sale of energy drinks to children under 16.
“Last year we consulted on ending the sale of energy drinks to children. The consultation showed overwhelming public support, with 93% of consultation respondents agreeing that businesses should be prohibited from selling these drinks to children,” according to documents published by the UK government yesterday. “Teachers and health professionals, in particular, were strong in their support for the government to take action.
“Therefore, we can now announce that the government will end the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16.”
The announcement was welcomed by the British Soft Drinks Association, which said it is in line with the industry's policy on responsible sales of energy drinks.
“The BSDA has consistently supported the ban on the sale of energy drinks to under 16s by retailers as it is in line with our long-standing Code of Practice,” said Gavin Partington, BSDA’s director general. “Therefore, we welcome the Health Secretary’s endorsement of this approach.”
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Asia
Thai sleep brand enjoys Korea success for functional drink
With 35% month-on-month growth in Thailand as a result of achieving the number one spot in the Korea Satisfaction Consumer Index, Thailand’s Healthful Co is planning further domestic expansions.
CEO Suwajpong Asawathippaibul told NutraIngredients-Asia: “Functional drinks are considered a new category in Thailand and consumers are not familiar with relaxation drinks, meaning they may find new products less credible.
“However, Thai consumers see products on sale in Japan and South Korea these markets as being more credible. That is why I choose to export to South Korea.”
That moved proved to be very astute, with the company’s Nice Dream product, a functional beverage to improve sleep quality and insomnia, achieving recognition and market success in Korea, and this then speeding up market growth in Thailand.
