EFSA PUBLISHES FIFTH SERIES OF EVALUATIONS OF ‘GENERAL FUNCTION’ HEALTH CLAIMS
On 30 June 2011 EFSA’s NDA panel (1) finalised the evaluation of all ‘general function’ health claims (2) due to be adopted by that date. With the publication of this fifth series of scientific opinions, EFSA adds an additional 536 claims to the 2,187 claims published to date. The European Commission and Member States will then consider EFSA’s scientific advice in deciding on the possible authorisation of such claims for food products. EFSA is liaising closely with the European Commission and stands ready to provide any further support which could be required in the assessment of ‘general function’ health claims. Of the 536 claims evaluated in this latest series, favourable outcomes include the relation between specific dietary fibres and blood cholesterol; cereal fibre and bowel function; carbohydrateelectrolyte drinks and endurance performance; low sodium and blood pressure; dietary fibre and reduced increase in blood glucose after meals; melatonin and sleep onset and very low calorie diet in relation of body weight. Other claims ...