Sodium hyaluronate is one of the substances currently under evaluation by EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) within the scope of Directive 2002/46 pertaining to food supplements.

This EFSA evaluation is a special dispensation given to Member States in order to facilitate ingredient evaluation. This measure authorises the use, in the respective countries and up until 31 December 2009, of vitamins and minerals not listed in Appendix I of this Directive.

Similarly, in its decree dated 14 November 2006, France specified the option of using, in the production of food supplements, substances not listed in Appendices I and II and the subject of dossier submissions with a view to validation by EFSA, in the absence of any unfavourable decision by the latter.

In the specific case of sodium hyaluronate produced by CPN/Contipro, which we represent, the “claim” dossiers prepared in accordance with the principles of legislation 1924/2006 have been submitted and proposed to the competent authorities, who are currently carrying out the necessary investigations.

To illustrate regulatory advances, several food supplements containing hyaluronic acid are currently marketed in France under the following indications, "skin", "cartilage" and "supple joints".