NXT USA announced that it received Food with Function Claim (FFC) registration from Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency for its joint health ingredient, TamaFlex. The registration was acquired in collaboration with NXT USA’s Japan-based partner Octroll.
 
“We are honored to have TamaFlex recognized as an FFC ingredient in Japan,” said Hiroyuki Tanaka, CEO of Octroll, Inc. “This approval places TamaFlex in an exclusive category of natural ingredients, scientifically validated for specific health benefits. Japanese consumers can trust in its proven efficacy, knowing it meets the rigorous standards set by the CAA. Our three double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies have provided the scientific foundation for this recognition, demonstrating the product’s reliability.”
 
Octroll has been central to the development of TamaFlex in Japan, and as the Japanese functional food market expands, the ingredient is well-positioned to meet demand for innovative, science-backed products, Tanaka said.
 
The Food with Function Claims (FFC) system is overseen by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) in Japan, and validates the safety, effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards of products. CAA plays a role in consumer protection particularly in the functional foods sector primarily by regulating health claims made on products. Securing FFC registration involves an evaluation in which brands submit robust scientific evidence to support claims for CAA review.
 
TamaFlex’s joint health claims are supported by three human clinical studies involving 300 participants, with consistent evidence that the ingredient can improve markers of joint health at a daily dosage of 250 mg. The studies used a combination of self-reported outcomes, physician assessments, physical performance measures like walking and stair climbing, and biomarker analysis.