The European Commission has proposed simplifying EU labelling laws for functional foods by scrapping a special directive for dietetic foods that has created complications for manufacturers.
The directive on foodstuffs “intended for particular nutritional uses” has applied to lactose-free food, slimming products or protein bars, noted Brussels in a communiqué today (20 June).
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It was only approved in 2009 but inconsistent implementation by member states has created “distortions” in Europe’s food market.
Assuming the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers agree, these special foods would be covered by EU regulations on nutrition and health claims and on the addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to foods.
The proposal would also create a single EU list of permitted dietetic food additives, instead of the existing three.
