Marigold extract (lutein) is a food additive and new food material
The main source of lutein and lutein esters is marigold flowers. Many people recognize the benefits of lutein in eye health. It can be used in ordinary foods. It is often seen that eye jelly and children’s food supplements use this ingredient. , Which shows its importance in the development of daily functional foods. The national standard GB 26405-2011 is the standard for food additives-lutein. The simple process is described as using marigold oleoresin as the raw material, saponified, extracted and refined.
In addition, the No. 12 document of the Ministry of Health in 2008 approved lutein ester (chemical name: lutein dipalmitate) as a new food raw material. The initial source is marigold flower. The process description uses marigold flower as raw material, which is dehydrated and crushed. , Solvent extraction, purification of low molecular weight alcohols, and vacuum concentration. It is stipulated that the daily use amount is ≤12 mg/day; the use scope includes bakery foods, dairy products, beverages, instant cereals, frozen beverages, condiments and sweets, but does not include infant food.
Marigold extract is allowed to be used in feed
On March 9, 2021, the European Union issued Regulation (EU) 2021/420, approving Lutein-rich and lutein/zeaxanthin extracts from Tagetes erecta from marigolds as feed additives Used for fattening and laying of poultry (except turkeys), and fattening and laying of small poultry, rich in lutein extract used for fattening chicken and small poultry, hen laying and small poultry laying in the moisture content The maximum content of total carotenoids in 12% complete feed is 80mg/kg; lutein/zeaxanthin extract is used in chicken fattening and small poultry fattening, and when hens lay eggs, the moisture content is 12% in complete feed The maximum content of total carotenoids is 80mg/kg, and 50mg/kg for small poultry laying eggs.
Why can't marigold extract be used in cosmetics?
As early as 1986, Chinese researchers have studied the safety of marigold extract; experiments have confirmed that marigold root extract contains more thiophene compounds, which can cause irritation to human skin, form blisters, and threaten health!
In 2005, the European Commission for Consumer Products Science, SCCP, considered that the extracts and essential oils of Tagetes erecta, Tagetes minuta and Tagetes patula extracts and oils are phototoxic. Since there is no basis for a safe dosage, it is recommended that the extracts and essential oils of Tagetes erecta, Tagetes minuta and Tagetes patula extracts and oils ) Do not use in cosmetics. Until 2013, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) updated the information dossier for such substances, which determined the maximum allowable concentration of marigold plant extracts and essential oils used in stay cosmetics as 0.01%.
Therefore, in 2015, the European Union SCCS re-evaluated the extracts and essential oils of marigold plants. This evaluation is only for phototoxicity.
The European Union SCCS believes that the extracts and essential oils of marigold (Tagetes minuta) and maidenhair (T. patula) are safe when the maximum allowable concentration is 0.01% in stay cosmetics (except sunscreen products), but the α-three contained therein Alpha terthienyl shall not exceed 0.35%.
Marigold (Tagetes minuta) and maidenhair (T. patula) extracts and essential oils cannot be used in sunscreen products. Because under ultraviolet radiation, phototoxicity will increase!
In 2016, the SCCS (European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) pointed out that the maximum allowable concentration of small marigold, maidenhair extract and oil in rinse-off cosmetics should be set at 0.1%.
In 2018, the European Union officially classified marigold as a banned ingredient in cosmetics! The European Union Gazette announced the European Commission (EU) 2018/978 Amendment, which officially updated Annex II and III of the EU Cosmetics Regulations, and included marigold flower extracts and flower oils in the list of prohibited substances, small marigold and maidenhair flower extracts and flower oils Included in the restricted substance list.
