| 1977: |
 |
Launch of "MORINAGA Bifidus Milk" containing BB536 in Japan |
| 1979: |
Launch of "Bifidus Yogurt" containing BB536 in Japan |
| 1984: |
Award from Japanese Science and Technology Agency for the "Application of BB536 to dairy product" |
| 1986: |
Licensed production of "MORINAGA Bifidus Yogurt" in France (Product name BA) |
| 1987: |
Award from French Ministry of Agriculture for the success of BA sales |
| 1989: |
Licensed production of "Bifidus Yogurt" containing BB536 in Sweden (Product name ONAKA) |
| 1991: |
Launch of "MORINAGA Caldus Milk" containing BB536 |
| 1994: |
Licensed production of BB536 at dairy company Wisby (Danisco) of Germany |
| 1996: |
Approval of "MORINAGA Bifidus Yogurt" as Foods for Specified Health Use (FOSHU)* in Japan |
| 2001: |
Approval of "MORINAGA Bifidus Milk" and "MORINAGA Caldus Milk" as Foods for Specified Health Use (FOSHU)* in Japan |
| 2005: |
Launch of "Bifidus BB536 Capsules" in Japan |
|
--------
*The FOSHU system in Japan is unique because it focuses on health claims for specific products. Approved products are permitted to make express health claims on product labels. In order for a product to be approved as FOSHU, companies need to go through an application process that typically takes about one year to complete. Applications are reviewed by local prefecture authorities and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Applications must include scientific documentation demonstrating the medical or nutritional basis for a health claim, the basis for the recommended dose of the functional ingredient, information demonstrating the safety of the ingredient, information on physical and chemical characteristics, relevant test methods, and a compositional analysis. This information is expected to be accompanied by scientific papers in the fields of medicine and/or nutrition that substantiate the health claim.
|
