David Ridley
Senior Editor

Latest From David Ridley
Get To Know: ‘Medicine Cabinet Staples’ Manufacturer Kobayashi Healthcare Europe
Manufacturing best-selling items like Kool 'n' Soothe cooling sheet, Cura-Heat heat pack and Hothands hand warmer brands in its own facilities means Kobayashi Healthcare Europe can offer “great quality products without breaking the bank,” explains marketing and regulatory manager Richard Noal.
EFSA Considering New CBD Toxicity Data While Clock-Stop Causes Industry ‘Economic Harm’
The European Food Safety Authority is evaluating new reproductive and developmental toxicity data published since it paused CBD novel food applications last year due to safety concerns, according to food law consultancy, Legal Foods.
German OTC Launches: Bayer Adds Probiotics, Angelini Expands ThermaCare, And More
Two microbiome products added to Bayer's Iberogast line, a new drug-free pain-relieving ThermaCare knee brace from Angelini Pharma and an ashwagandha-powered sleep aid extension to Oyono from Klosterfrau feature in this German marketing update.
Why Did The European Commission Decide All Antimicrobials Should Be Rx-Only?
The European Commission responds to questions from HBW Insight regarding its decision to include OTC antivirals and antifungals, including commonly used products like thrush and cold sore creams, in the expanded prescription-only requirements for antimicrobials, as part of proposed measures to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Kicking The CBD Can? UK Gov Accepts 0.05mg THC Limit, But Legalization Still Long Way Away
The UK Home Office has accepted a suggested 0.05 mg per dose limit for controlled psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol in consumer CBD products, including food supplements. However, remaining questions such as what constitutes a single dose of CBD, when UK manufacturers will be allowed to process raw cannabis, and what testing methods are needed to detect THC levels indicate that the road to compliance is still “long and winding,” argues Canna Consultants.
Over The Counter 13 Nov 2023: How OTC Companies Can Respond To Preventative Health Trends, With Simon-Kucher & Partners
In this episode, HBW Insight speaks to Simon-Kucher & Partners about the latest trends in preventative consumer health. Partner Christian Rebholz and senior director Lorenzo Eandi explain the findings from the company’s recently published Better Health Report, which reached out to almost 3,000 consumers across the world. We take a deeper dive into Brazil, where consumers are spending more on than average on preventative health, and Germany, where consumers are spending less but are turning to digital tools thanks to government support. We also find out what consumer health companies can do to respond to a growing awareness of mental health, especially among women and the younger generation.