Brussels, 28/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The preparatory work for establishing the list of health claims that may, in full legality, be used in the EU to boast the health virtues of foodstuffs without being misleading to consumers, is in its final stages. EU member state and European Commission experts discussed, on Monday 28 November, the draft regulation prepared by the Commission with a view to its adoption during the year 2012 (see EUROPE N.10429).
The list currently tabled for discussion now includes about 240 health claims contained in the 510 health claims scientifically validated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pursuant to European regulations (European Regulation 1924/2006 amended by Regulation 109/2008/EC, Article 13).
Claims concern, for example, the role played by proteins, vitamins and mineral salts, fibres, omega 3 fatty acids, and other substances like polyphenols from olive oil. The latter include the functioning of the immune system and the heart, keeping cholesterol levels normal, maintaining muscle mass, etc. If the scientific assessment concludes that the claimed role in functions of the body is founded, such claims can be recommended for approval.
A number of claims remain on hold. This can be because they require a further assessment by the EFSA (which is normally the case for micro-organisms for which the EFSA opinions conclude that they are insufficiently characterised, and for claims for which the evidence is insufficient to reach a conclusion about the cause and effect relationship). It may also be because the positive opinion given by the EFSA deserves more consideration before a decision can be taken by the risk management authority (the Commission and member states).
Initially, over 44,000 claims had been submitted by member states to the Commission, which then brought the number down to 4,600 in a consolidated list.
Out of this list, 2,760 claims were duly assessed on the basis of dossiers provided by manufacturers to uphold the claims. After the assessment, 510 health claims were validated by
the EFSA. (AN/transl.jl)