ABSTRACT
Title
Nutritional And Health Claim Regulation (EC) 1924/2006: Impact On Food Sector
Authors
E. Vacca
Heinz Italia SpA
Heinz Italia SpA
Abstract
In recent years, the number of foods bearing nutritional and health claims is increasing.
The promotion of foods through claims encourages consumers to purchase them, making food choices that have an impact on their diet and consequently on their health.
The Nutritional and health claim regulation (EC) 1924/2006 represents an important step towards safeguarding consumers, and additional encouragement for food companies to speak to their consumers in a transparent and responsible way.
Since the drawing up of the regulation the food industry supported its main aims.
Nevertheless, following the publication of the regulation, a number of issues have arisen relating to its application, from the preparation of the claim lists to their scientific evaluation.
Only a limited number of claims submitted to the EFSA scientific evaluation received a positive response, mainly ones regarding vitamins and minerals.
Whilst recognizing the importance of guaranteeing a correct methodology also in the nutritional area in evaluating the scientific evidence supporting claims, at the same time it is desirable to take into account the specificities of clinical trials in nutrition with respect to research conducted on drugs.
A independent economic evaluation showed that such a limited number of claim authorizations will have negative impact on the food and food supplement segments.
This situation will compromise the levels of innovation coming from the industry and the related benefits for consumers.
The promotion of foods through claims encourages consumers to purchase them, making food choices that have an impact on their diet and consequently on their health.
The Nutritional and health claim regulation (EC) 1924/2006 represents an important step towards safeguarding consumers, and additional encouragement for food companies to speak to their consumers in a transparent and responsible way.
Since the drawing up of the regulation the food industry supported its main aims.
Nevertheless, following the publication of the regulation, a number of issues have arisen relating to its application, from the preparation of the claim lists to their scientific evaluation.
Only a limited number of claims submitted to the EFSA scientific evaluation received a positive response, mainly ones regarding vitamins and minerals.
Whilst recognizing the importance of guaranteeing a correct methodology also in the nutritional area in evaluating the scientific evidence supporting claims, at the same time it is desirable to take into account the specificities of clinical trials in nutrition with respect to research conducted on drugs.
A independent economic evaluation showed that such a limited number of claim authorizations will have negative impact on the food and food supplement segments.
This situation will compromise the levels of innovation coming from the industry and the related benefits for consumers.