Notified functional ingredients
Notified ingredients have pre-published standards and functions in the official Health Functional Food Code — usable by anyone meeting the listed specs.
Individually-recognized ingredients
These are recognized for a specific operator after submitting safety/efficacy data, granting exclusive use for a period — strong for differentiation but slower to prepare.
Notified vs. individually-recognized
Even within the same function, the two differ in freedom of use, differentiation, and preparation burden.
- Notified: anyone meeting specs · fast · low differentiation
- Individually-recognized: possible exclusivity · high differentiation · requires data & recognition
Documents to check
Verify an ingredient's reliability through documents to reduce post-launch risk.
- COA — specs, content, physicochemical/microbial results
- Recognition data — code listing or individual recognition number
- Origin/manufacturer info, allergen & residual-solvent safety data
Which ingredient to choose
Decide based on target function, market, launch speed, and differentiation strategy. Share your concept and we'll help review with COA and other documents.
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Request samples
Tell us the ingredients of interest — we'll help with COA and other documents.
Request samplesFrequently asked questions
Which is better, notified or individually-recognized?
It's about purpose, not superiority. Notified for fast launch with verified ingredients; individually-recognized for differentiation and exclusivity.
Can anyone use an individually-recognized ingredient?
Exclusive rights are granted to the recognized operator, so you must source it through them. Availability must be checked per ingredient.
Can I get samples and a COA?
Tell us the ingredients of interest and we'll help review with COA and other documents via the sample request form.
How are functional claims determined?
Only within the ingredient's recognized scope. Expanding claims or asserting disease treatment is not allowed.
This document is general information on manufacturing, distribution, and regulation. It does not assert efficacy or disease prevention/treatment. Labeling and advertising may be subject to regulatory review.