COFCO Approved for Enzymatic D-allulose Production, Revolutionizing China's Health Food Market

COFCO Corporation, a prominent agribusiness and food processing company, has achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first enterprise in China to receive approval for the enzymatic production of D-allulose, a rare sugar celebrated for its health benefits. This approval signifies a pivotal shift in the domestic health food market, breaking international barriers and enabling large-scale production, which is anticipated to substantially lower end-user costs, making this "international star sugar substitute" more accessible.

The National Health Commission granted the approval, recognizing COFCO's proprietary "D-allulose-3-epimerase" as a leading enzyme in the industry. This enzyme, developed through extensive research by COFCO Biotechnology and the COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute, was approved in 2023. The development process involved rigorous research and regulatory compliance, culminating in the approval on May 6, 2023.

The enzymatic production method, utilizing corn starch as the raw material, was a collaborative effort between COFCO Biotechnology and the COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute. This method not only enhances the efficiency of D-allulose production but also aligns with COFCO's commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development. The approval of this method is poised to have a significant impact on the domestic health food market, providing a cost-effective and efficient means of producing D-allulose, a sugar substitute gaining popularity due to its low calorie content and potential health benefits.

D-allulose, a six-carbon ketose found naturally in small quantities in various plants such as figs, kiwifruit, and wheat, has a caloric value that is only 10% of sucrose, while its sweetness reaches 70% of sucrose. Its stable structure makes it an excellent performer in baking, beverages, and other applications, positioning it as one of the most promising sucrose substitutes. Scientific research has shown that D-allulose offers various health benefits, including softening blood vessels, regulating blood sugar, promoting neural health, and aiding in weight loss. As global consumers increasingly prioritize healthy diets, D-allulose's superior processing characteristics and application potential have led to its approval in over 15 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

COFCO's breakthrough in developing a high-performance D-allulose-3-epimerase involved screening and modifying 498 gene libraries, conducting over a thousand mutation trials, and ultimately overcoming technical barriers that had previously limited D-allulose production. This achievement not only positions COFCO as the sole enterprise in China approved for enzymatic D-allulose production but also activates the domestic health food market, making this "international star sugar substitute" more economically accessible to health-conscious consumers.

This approval is part of a broader initiative to foster the growth of the health food industry in China. The National Health Commission's recognition of D-allulose as a new food ingredient underscores the government's support for the sector's development. This move is expected to spur innovation and investment, as companies strive to create new products that cater to the rising demand for healthy and nutritious food options. COFCO's success in this area highlights the company's dedication to technological innovation and sustainable development, setting a benchmark for the industry and paving the way for future advancements in the health food sector.