At HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA), we are celebrating the official inclusion of Naringenin in the European Union’s Food Flavouring Regulation. This regulatory milestone marks the culmination of more than eight years of scientific and regulatory work led by the company for the benefit of the European food and beverage industry.
Naringenin: A natural, effective, and versatile flavour modulator
Naringenin is a flavonoid naturally found in citrus fruits, which HTBA produces through a natural process to offer a clean-label and easy-to-use solution. This compound has proven to be a highly effective flavour modulator that enhances sensory profiles and reduces the need for added sugar and sweeteners without compromising taste.
Moreover, Naringenin possesses unique properties for taste modification. It is used to mask bitter and metallic notes, improving product acceptance. In doing so, it creates new formulation opportunities in soft drinks, dairy products, proteins, and fortified and plant-based foods.
A regulatory process over eight years in the making
In 2010, following the approval of stevia, HTBA identified a growing need for natural flavour modulators. This led to the launch of a sensory screening program of its polyphenol portfolio, where Naringenin stood out for its versatility in food and beverage applications.
The process to achieve the official inclusion of Naringenin in the EU Food Flavouring Regulation began in June 2016, when we submitted an application to the European Commission to list Naringenin (FL No. 16.132) as a flavouring in various food categories. The dossier was evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which issued a positive opinion in March 2024, concluding that its use poses no health risks.
A regulatory breakthrough with global impact
Today, this approval adds to those already obtained in other regions of the world, including the United States, Latin America, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Its official inclusion in European regulation represents a decisive step toward adoption across the continent.
