In the latest news update, three new substances, namely fennel, berberine, and hydroxycitric acid (HCA), have been brought under the assessment of EFSA by the European Commission (EC) under article 8. This news was published in NutraIngredients Europe.
This request has been made by Germany, France, and Spain in the wake of exposing potential risks to consumers who might be using fennel, berberine, and hydroxycitric acid, respectively, in each of these countries. Article 8, which was initiated in 2006, authorizes the EC to start the process of prohibiting, restricting, or putting under Union scrutiny. In Germany, there are concerns over the ill effects of fennel. Consumption of fruit preparations from fennel by infants and young children can lead to genotoxic and carcinogenic effects due to a compound, estragole.
On the other hand, France has put forward claims that food supplements derived from plants or plant preparations containing berberine can cause gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension, and hypoglycemia. In Spain, there is a rising danger of liver injury caused by consumption of the pericarp of the fruit Garcinia gummigutta (L.) Roxb., which contains HCA. Owing to these potential risks, it is recommended to restrict the use of these 3 substances. EFSA is likely to set at least temporary limitations to their usage based on the adverse events and any supporting toxicology. These assessments by EFSA are likely to be over by May 2025.
Source: Nikki Hancocks. More supplements on the chopping board as Article 8 gains pace. NutraIngredients Europe. 14 March, 2023.
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/03/13/Fennel-berberine-and-hydroxycitric-acid-next-supplements-on-the-chopping-board-as-Article-8-regulation-gains-pace
