News that the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced and published the novel food authorization for Bioenergy Ribose is being met with significant excitement. Formulators can now use this clinically proven energy ingredient in nutritional foods and beverages sold in Europe. This novel food authorization is in addition to D-ribose use in dietary supplements, which is grandfathered in with a much higher allowable dose.

“Earning novel food authorization, especially in the energy category, is reason to celebrate! Many major companies have been eagerly anticipating this approval,” confirms Bioenergy Life Science CEO and Chairman Leo Zhang. “This is also great news for international companies already using Bioenergy Ribose in the U.S., as they can now use it in their European formulations. We expect to see functional foods and beverages made with Bioenergy Ribose to reach European consumers very quickly.”

In its novel foods confirmation, EFSA wrote: “The main source of intake of the novel food from the proposed uses were: fine bakery wares, the highest contributors in all population groups; milk drinks, high contributors in all population groups apart from infants; and sports, isotonic and energy drinks, which were high contributors in adolescents, adults and the elderly.” The panel noted that the acceptable level of intake is 36mg/kg of body weight per day. However, the level in dietary supplements exceeds this limit.

“This was a long time coming. Achieving a place on the EFSA novel foods list requires a rigorous approval process. This is an important milestone for our company. We are gratified that the panel agreed with the significant science we submitted demonstrating the benefits and safety of Bioenergy Ribose,” commented Bioenergy Life Science Director of Marketing Penny Portner. She noted that Bioenergy Ribose has a five-year novel food exclusivity.