The first 523 ‘general function’ claims have been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for scientific evidence. The results are disappointing for the foodbranche. Only one third of the evaluations are favourable to the food sector: sufficient scientific evidence to support the claims has been provided. For the greater part the claims concerning article 13.1 procedures of the Claims regulation have been declined. Positive are the results for ‘general function’ claims for products which contain vitamins and minerals. This is also for sugar-free chewing gum for maintenance of dental health and for fatty acids for maintenance of cholesterol levels. But several health claims for ‘probiotic’ bacteria could (for now) not pass the strict EFSA requirements. This also applies to the claim that Taurine would slow down the onset of fatigue and would enhance the physical performance. Branch organisations on a national (NPN) and international (EHPM) level are busy consulting the EFSA about the vagueness in the procedures. It is still unknown whether closer evidence could be provided or the manufacturers must apply for approval of the claim through the so called article 14 procedure. It is also clear that EFSA will not have judged all 4185 claims submitted before 31 January 2010. For the rejected claims the transition period still applies until the European Commission will have rendered a final judgment. See for more information the press release of EFSA and the list of article 13 ‘general function’ claims. Julia Kat
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The first 523 ‘general function’ claims have been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for scientific evidence. The results are disappointing for the foodbranche. Only one third of the evaluations are favourable to the food sector: sufficient scientific evidence to support the claims has been provided. For the greater part the claims concerning article 13.1 procedures of the Claims regulation have been declined. Positive are the results for ‘general function’ claims for products which contain vitamins and minerals. This is also for sugar-free chewing gum for maintenance of dental health and for fatty acids for maintenance of cholesterol levels. But several health claims for ‘probiotic’ bacteria could (for now) not pass the strict EFSA requirements. This also applies to the claim that Taurine would slow down the onset of fatigue and would enhance the physical performance. Branch organisations on a national (NPN) and international (EHPM) level are busy consulting the EFSA about the vagueness in the procedures. It is still unknown whether closer evidence could be provided or the manufacturers must apply for approval of the claim through the so called article 14 procedure. It is also clear that EFSA will not have judged all 4185 claims submitted before 31 January 2010. For the rejected claims the transition period still applies until the European Commission will have rendered a final judgment. See for more information the press release of EFSA and the list of article 13 ‘general function’ claims. Julia Kat