Juice Plus+ Essentials Berry Blend Capsules FAQ Reformulation

Why Camellia sinensis (green tea extract) was removed from the formulation?

We take our responsibility towards our customers seriously, and always carefully consider the best response to any changes in legislation or new scientific findings that relate to our products or their ingredients. In this case, during the re-evaluation of green tea extract, TGA acknowledged that green tea extract has a long history of use as a food and medicine, but there were still some uncertainties around the safe level of exposure and the rarity of liver injury occurring after consumption. TGA concluded that a label caution would be required on all products containing this ingredient effective March 1, 2025 – except for aqueous extracts with less than 300mg EGCG.

‘In rare cases, Camellia sinensis may harm the liver. Stop use and see a doctor if you have yellowing skin/eyes, or unusual: fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, abdominal pain, dark urine, or itching.’

Whilst there is no evidence that the relatively low dose of green tea extract (and EGCG) in our Berry Blend Capsules are of concern or harmful, our main focus is ensuring that all our customers can continue to take the product. Therefore, we have removed green tea extract from our Berry Blend Capsules.

What are we replacing the Green Tea Extract with?

The Green Tea Extract has been replaced by increasing the amount of Grape Seed Extract, as this will ensure similar amounts of plant substances.

Why Vaccinium myrtilloides (blueberry) was removed from the formulation?

Blueberry was removed due to regulatory challenges, but bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) remain in the product. [Longer version] Due to TGA restrictions on the use of blueberry species permitted in Listed Medicines, we are unable to obtain commercially viable blueberries that meets JP+ and TGA requirements at the volume we require. Be assured that the overall plant based ingredients from juice and pulp powders content has not been reduced, and the capsules provide the same benefits to consumers.

What are we replacing the Blueberries with?

The Blueberries have been replaced by increasing the amount of other plant-based ingredients in the capsules – i.e. Grape, Cranberry, Blackberry, Bilberry, Raspberry, Blackcurrant, Elderberry, Cocoa, Ginger, and Pomegranate.

Is the polyphenolic content in the product affected after the removal of green tea extract and blueberry?

No, overall polyphenolic content is not significantly impacted after the other adjustments implemented in the product formulation.

Are current indications made to the product affected with the change of formulation?

No, they have not been impacted. The capsules still provide the same benefits to consumers.