The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has today (26 February) issued advice to the European Commission on which foodstuffs should carry nutritional or health claim information.


EFSA said its guidance would help the European Commission draft an approved claim list by 2010.


The watchdog’s scientific panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies has concluded that the Commission’s main concern should be “the potential of a food to adversely affect overall dietary balance”, given accepted recommendations on nutrient intake.


Under the EU regulation on nutrition and health claims, which went live last July, the Commission has to draft nutritional guidelines for certain ingredients, which must be followed by food products sporting health claims.


In a bid to assist the Commission, the panel has recommended which nutrients should form part of these guidelines – called nutrient profiles – in the regulation.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“These nutrients currently include saturated fat, sodium, dietary fibre and unsaturated fat,” the panel said.


However, this assessment could change over time, given shifts in European diets. The inclusion of specific nutrients “should be driven by their public health importance for EU populations,” said the panel, noting that advice on trans-fatty acids might not be necessary, “as intakes in the EU have declined considerably”.