The European Food Safety Authority is evaluating new reproductive and developmental toxicity data published since it paused CBD novel food applications last year due to safety concerns, according to food law consultancy, Legal Foods.

Two microbiome products added to Bayer's Iberogast line, a new drug-free pain-relieving ThermaCare knee brace from Angelini Pharma and an ashwagandha-powered sleep aid extension to Oyono from Klosterfrau feature in this German marketing update. 

The European Commission responds to questions from HBW Insight regarding its decision to include OTC antivirals and antifungals, including commonly used products like thrush and cold sore creams, in the expanded prescription-only requirements for antimicrobials, as part of proposed measures to combat antimicrobial resistance. 

The UK Home Office has accepted a suggested 0.05 mg per dose limit for controlled psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol in consumer CBD products, including food supplements. However, remaining questions such as what constitutes a single dose of CBD, when UK manufacturers will be allowed to process raw cannabis, and what testing methods are needed to detect THC levels indicate that the road to compliance is still “long and winding,” argues Canna Consultants.

In this episode, HBW Insight speaks to Simon-Kucher & Partners about the latest trends in preventative consumer health. Partner Christian Rebholz and senior director Lorenzo Eandi explain the findings from the company’s recently published Better Health Report, which reached out to almost 3,000 consumers across the world. We take a deeper dive into Brazil, where consumers are spending more on than average on preventative health, and Germany, where consumers are spending less but are turning to digital tools thanks to government support. We also find out what consumer health companies can do to respond to a growing awareness of mental health, especially among women and the younger generation.

“We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, and by joining the global effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage, we aim to create a more equitable and healthier world for everyone,” says Global Self-Care Federation director general, Judy Stenmark, endorsing the Self-Care for Universal Health Coverage Declaration alongside LATAM policy makers and regulators at the 1st Latin American Self-Care Regional Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil.