China focus: Infant nutrition scandal, probiotics for asthma control and more
‘Cynicism and disappointment’: Infant nutrition brands face credibility challenge after latest China scandal
Both local Chinese and foreign infant nutrition brands in China are urged to “push hard on safety cues and messages” in light of the recent infant nutrition scandal happening in the country, according to an industry expert.
This is on top of safety fears sparked by the devastating spread of COVID-19.
China is once again at the spotlight of an infant nutrition controversy earlier this month following reports of infants and toddlers suffering from skull deformities and eczema after consuming a protein powdered beverage marketed as an alternative infant formula.
Probiotics may improve asthma control in infants – China systematic review
While probiotic supplementation cannot prevent asthma or wheezing, it may improve lung function and asthma control in infants, according to a new systematic review.
Published in the ACTA Academiae Medicinae Sinicae – a Chinese scientific journal, the review was conducted by researchers from the Nursing School of Shandong University.
They analysed 12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied probiotics and asthma prevention available on databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Another six systematic review on probiotic intervention on asthma treatment were also studied.
‘Move for the future’ New logo and packaging for BY-HEALTH’ to revitalise VDS business
BY-HEALTH has refreshed its brand logo and product packaging in a bid to revitalise its vitamins and dietary supplements (VDS) business, at the same time as reporting disappointing revenue figures for the first quarter of the year.
One of the key objectives of the revamp is to push up the total volume and growth rate of its VDS business, said the firm.
“This is not merely BY-HEALTH’s brand upgrade to meet evolving trends, it is more of an industry leader’s pre-emptive move for the future,” the company said.
Quality, ingredient list and assurance seal most important to Chinese consumers - USP
The top three purchase criteria for dietary supplements among Chinese consumers RE product quality (79%), ingredient list (60%) and quality assurance seal (53%), according to data from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
China’s increasing middle-class and health-conscious population coupled with its rising ageing population have led to a growing demand for dietary supplements. Daxue Consulting projects the vitamins and dietary supplement market in China to reach RMB168bn (US$22bn) this year.
However, in a country that has experienced significant food adulteration issues, it is not surprising that the safety and effectiveness of supplements were important to Chinese consumers.
Personalised superfood solution: Nestle assess further APAC launches for nesQino after China Tmall debut
Nestle is conducting consumer testing with a view to expanding its customisable 'superfood' drink product, nesQino, to more APAC markets, after an initial launch in China via e-commerce platform Tmall.
nesQino consists of a machine, three base sachets (smoothie, oat shake, milk shake), and seven superfood sachets. Consumers can mix and match the different sachets to create 21 different superfood drink recipes.
The nesQino sachets are extracted from fruits, vegetables, roots, and microalgae, with no additives or preservatives.
