2. Over the past decade, Biolife NZ has made several significant industry contributions in the development of the colostrum market in China, educating the public on colostrum health benefits and aiding Chinese regulatory bodies in defining specifications for the "new product". Our contributions to the colostrum industry is grouped into five major areas: ●Initial introduction of colostrum into the Chinese market ● Development and standardisation of the Chinese National IgG testing method ● Safety and functional validation of colostrum products ● Assisting in the establishment of National Colostrum Standards (China) ● Promoting the development of the Colostrum industry
3. Introduction of Colostrum to the Chinese consumers Before the Biolife's introduction of colostrum to China, colostrum was not very well known in China. Many people had doubts in colostrum products, which made the promotion very difficult. Biolife New Zealand invited overseas professors, experts and researchers to China, who then continuously introduced into China their latest research results, concepts and product related theories on colostrum products and industry. Biolife made large efforts to promote the efficacy and safety of colostrum in various aspects and have constantly been carrying out and supporting the fundamental work in the industry, which provided a solid foundation for the development of Chinese colostrum industry. Soon after the entrance of Healtheries/Peizhi & Natrapurecolostrum products, scientists and experts started to pay attention to the colostrum industry with great potential for the future. Biolife New Zealand actively helped the academic communication between domestic and overseas scholars. Biolife introduced PeizhiColostrum Powder into China. The product was developed based on the research results from New Zealand Otago University. At the same time, the company invited Professor Jingsong Cao from Institute of Food Research South China University of Technology and other experts for academic exchange to New Zealand. Professor Cao is an expert in colostrum research and published his research book Colostrum Functional Foods in 2000, which was the first publication in colostrum research in China and provided the theoretical support for colostrum application and development. Since then, there have been ascendant and active researches in colostrum, which provided plentiful and comprehensive scientific evidence for the industry.
4. Development and standardisation of the Chinese National IgG testing method In 2003, Biolife New Zealand and New Zealand and Healtheries Ltd. initiated immunoglobulin G (IgG) detection method. It was later adopted as the standard method for IgG determination in the National Standards for Health Foods in China (GB/T5009.194-2003). The recognition of the method illustrated that the functional ingredient IgG in colostrum can be accurately detected, and test results are verified and accepted by the State authority. It was confirmed that the main functional component in colostrum is IgG and that colostrum is a health food.
5. Safety and functional validation of colostrum products The product range of Healtheries/Peizhi is built around the core product Pure Gold Colostrum Powder. The Pure Gold Colostrum Powder comes in individual retail packages and is also processed into other forms of products, such as compound colostrum powder and tablets. The 7.8%lgG NatrapureColostrum Tablets were developed in 2002 by Biolife New Zealand based on 10%lgG Pure Gold Colostrum Powder. In 2003, Natrapure 7.8% immunoglobulin colostrum products went through the Ministry of Health health, Health functionality , test, safety toxicology assessement technical center, in Nutrition & Food Safety Office of Disease Prevention & Control Centre of China. The assessments evaluated the products in toxicology, stability and functionality using the standard methods prescribed in Technical Specification for Health Food Assessment In regards to product safety: according to Clause 18 in Technical Specification for Health Food Assessment, health foods must pass the toxicity assessment as a prerequisite to pass the whole safety assessment. In principle, the toxicity tests are divided into two stages (1st stage: acute toxicity testing and 2nd stage: chronic toxicity testing including a 30-day feeding trial and 3 inheritable toxicity tests), which must be completed and passed. Safety and toxicity assessments have to be conducted strictly in compliance with Food Safety and Toxicity Assessment Procedures and Methods (GB15193.1~15193.19-94).
6. Tests conclude: 1. Product Toxicity: - Acute toxicity test results confirmed that colostrum is non-toxic for human consumption - The results of the three inheritable toxicity tests were all negative, proving that colostrum does not have the carcinogenic properties which could potentially cause cancer. - The 30-day feeding trial showed that all the growing indices after feeding colostrum are normal and no significant differences were observed between the feeding group and the control group. All physical indices are within the controlled range. The growth is normal, which proves that colostrum will not cause pathological changes in organs. 2. Product Functionality: NatrapureColostrum Tablets were tested and assessed for the function to improve immunity using the methods and procedures prescribed for functionality tests. The cellular immune function testing result after 30-day feeding trial was positive for NatrapureColostrum Tablets. Monocyte-Macrophage testing result was also positive. Based on the positive results, it was concluded that the product may function to improve immunity.
7. 3. Product Stability Three batches of products were stored in the environment with 38oC temperature and 75% relative humidity. Shelf-life tests were carried out on Day 0, 30, 60 and 90 respectively. The final data analysis showed that being the functional component in colostrum, lgG has a desired stability and the shelf life was determined to be 2 years. In the 20th notice from the Ministry of Health (卫法监发［2000］第20号), 24 health functions were recognized and approved. NatrapureColostrum Tablets then obtained the certificate regarding the immune regulatory function [国食健字J20040050]. NB: the 24 health functions are: immune regulation, anti-aging, growth promotion, gastrointestinal improvement, anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, cholesterol regulation, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure regulation, sleep improvement, assist in the protection of chemical liver damage, lactation facilitation, osteoporosis improvement and cosmetic improvement.
8. Assisting in the establishment of National ColostrumStandards In 2005, China Dairy Industry Association published colostrum industry regulations, amongst which Standards for Fresh Colostrum and Colostrum Powder were regarded as the technical standards. Biolife New Zealand Limited as the industrial representative supported and were largely involved in the amendment and publishing for the new industrial standards. The standards adopted the lgG testing methods initiated by Biolife and Healtheries New Zealand limited. The standardized method was one of the main components of the industrial regulation. In the Colostrum Industrial Standards, the four benefits are also identified: immune system modulation, gut health and pathogen prevention, growth stimulation and anti-aging effects.
9. Promoting the development of the Colostrum industry Biolife New Zealand Limited as an outstanding local performer received a number of recognitions. Our Peizhi/Healtheries brand received the Business Excellence Award for outstanding contribution to the trading between China and New Zealand in 2004 and again in 2006 for the New Zealand Export Award. The company representatives were also invited to witness the signing of the significant New Zealand and China Free Trade Agreement. Colostrum concepts and applications are very well acknowledged in countries such as the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Although the colostrum concept and products have been introduced into China and the industry has developed for 10 years, many consumers are still unsure of the product definition, functions, purchasing options and ways of consumption. In 2009, in order to clarify consumer confusion, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic and China sent officials to New Zealand for further observation and study. The group paid a special visit to Biolife New Zealand for an in-depth conversation. The company received positive and encouraging comments and recognition, which has been an important motive for Biolife to strive for business excellence in the colostrum field in China through further product promotion, consumer education and formation of deepened cooperation with partners in the industry.
