2nd Oct 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has delivered its first series of opinions n general function health claims suggesting there is little and sometimes no evidence to support products such as ‘probiotic’ yoghurts.
Experts on EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) evaluated the scientific evidence for more than 500 claims. The opinions provide scientific advice on 523 health claims relating to over 200 foods and food components such as vitamins and minerals, fibre, fats, carbohydrates, 'probiotic' bacteria, and botanical substances. For approximately one third of the claims the outcomes of the evaluations were favourable as there was sufficient scientific evidence to support the claims. These related mainly to functions of vitamins and minerals, maintenance of cholesterol levels and sugar-free chewing gum for maintenance of dental health. Almost half of the evaluations with unfavourable outcomes were owing to a lack of information on the substance on which the claim is based, for example 'probiotic' bacteria and botanical substances. Without clear identification of the substance in question, the Panel could not verify that the scientific evidence provided to EFSA related to the same substance for which the health benefits are claimed. Commenting on these first results, Professor Albert Flynn, chair of EFSA's NDA Panel said: "EFSA's independent scientific advice will help ensure that the health claims made on foods are accurate and helpful to consumers in making healthy diet choices. The scientific opinions will inform future decisions of the Commission and Member States concerning the authorisation of health claims."