Approval of Eggshell Membrane Hydrolysate for EU Food Supplements
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the use of eggshell membrane hydrolysate for food supplements, effective July 23, 2026. This ingredient can be utilized by companies in Europe at doses of up to 500 mg per day for the general adult population, excluding pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Company Background and Approval Process
Eggnovo, a Spanish biotechnology firm, applied for this approval in 2022. They developed this ingredient from discarded eggshell membranes, creating a sustainable product within a circular economy framework. The approval grants Eggnovo five years of protection for its proprietary scientific data, ensuring it holds exclusive usage rights until July 23, 2031, unless another company gains approval via independent research.
The ingredient’s name has been updated from “egg membrane collagen peptides” to “egg membrane hydrolysate (enzymatically produced)”, reflecting its composition beyond just collagen. As Maria Marchueta, Eggnovo’s marketing manager, explained, the new terminology accurately describes the enzymatically produced hydrolysate containing various proteins and bioactive compounds in addition to collagen.
Benefits of Eggshell Membrane Hydrolysate
Eggnovo’s product, derived from eggshell membranes, contains:
- Collagen types I, V, and X
- Bioactive compounds like glucosamine and hyaluronic acid
- Over 400 proteins, including those rich in sulfur-containing amino acids
Research indicates potential benefits for joint health, skin hydration, and overall wellness, making it a concentrated alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen sources, with a daily intake recommendation of approximately 300 mg.
Future Applications and Market Strategy
The approval allows Eggnovo to explore innovations in functional ingredients, particularly in liquid supplement formats, thanks to the ingredient’s water-solubility. Marchueta emphasized that this approval enables expansion into food and cosmetic sectors, particularly in areas concerning healthy aging and joint health.
Consumers are increasingly seeking products that support an active lifestyle and quality of life, creating strong opportunities for Eggnovo in markets focused on mobility and beauty from within.
