Cognis First to Seek Novel Foods Approval for CLA
CLA was introduced – as a food supplement - prior to the EU Novel Food Regulation in 1997 and, therefore, according to a Standing Committee decision it needs Novel Food approval before it can be marketed as a food ingredient in Europe.
19/07/07 Cognis Nutrition & Health is the first company to apply for Novel Foods approval for conjugated linoleic acid in functional foods, with the official submission of a comprehensive dossier on its No. 1 Tonalin CLA brand.
CLA was introduced – as a food supplement - prior to the EU Novel Food Regulation in 1997 and, therefore, according to a Standing Committee decision it needs Novel Food approval before it can be marketed as a food ingredient in Europe. Having achieved considerable success with Tonalin CLA in food supplements, Cognis is convinced that the market is now ripe for the development of functional food applications, offering huge opportunities for innovative food manufacturers in Europe.
Dr. Ralf Zink, Director Global R&D and Technology for Cognis Nutrition & Health explained: “Publicity about obesity rates in Europe is at an all time high and the topics of weight and body fat reduction receive acres of media coverage. A recent study from the University of California hit the headlines, confirming what many experts and experienced dieters already knew: traditional dieting techniques don’t work because people put back the weight they lost – and more – the so called ‘yo-yo’ effect. Meanwhile, several government-led campaigns are targeting consumers in a bid to convert them to the idea that a sensible, long term approach is the most effective way to success with weight and body fat management.”
“This presents a tremendous market opportunity for Tonalin CLA, which works by reducing body fat, maintaining lean body mass, and preventing the ‘yo-yo’ effect of dieting by helping to prevent fat regain,” added Dr. Zink. These benefits were confirmed in a meta-analysis of 18 human studies on CLA published in May this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition2. The authors concluded that the beneficial effect of CLA: “… could be important if accumulated over time, especially in an environment where continuous, gradual weight gain is the norm in the adult population.” With the majority of the 18 clinical trials reviewed using Tonalin CLA, the study provides further scientific evidence that the Cognis product is a safe and effective option for people interested in improving their body composition and preventing the yo-yo effect.
“Our Novel Food dossier presents the compelling proof of safety as well as evidence for Tonalin CLA in successful weight management” said Dr. Ralf Zink. “With fourteen clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals supporting the ingredient’s role in body composition, we are confident that the authorities will accept our argument that Tonalin CLA should be available to functional food manufacturers for the benefit of consumers in Europe – and soon,” he said.
