EFSA completes evaluation of further 442 ‘general function’ health claims

08.04.2011
EFSA’s NDA Panel[1] has published the outcome of the evaluations of a fourth series of ‘general function’ health claims[2] proposed for use on food products. The 442 claims assessed relate to health relationships in such areas as: protection against oxidative damage to body cells, contribution to either cognitive or bowel function; and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. These opinions will help inform future decisions of the European Commission and EU Member States which are responsible for the authorisation of the claims. EFSA will finalise the evaluation of the remaining 600 ‘general function’ health claims which need to be assessed by June 2011.
Claims evaluated with a favourable outcome include the relation between: walnuts and improved function of blood vessels; the antioxidant effects of polyphenols found in olive oil on LDL cholesterol; and the relation between caffeine and alertness and caffeine and increased physical endurance. The experts also conclude that a number of claims based on the replacement of certain nutrients were supported by sufficient scientific evidence including: the replacement of digestible starch by resistant starch to lower the increase of blood glucose levels after meals; the replacement of saturated fatty acids with mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels; as well as the role of a range of sugar replacers (e.g. xylitol or sorbitol) in maintaining tooth mineralisation or lowering the increase of blood glucose levels after meals.
Following consultations carried out in 2010, EFSA will launch three additional on-line consultations later this month on guidance for health claims related to: 1) bone, joint and oral health 2) oxidative damage and cardiovascular health, and 3) satiety, weight management and blood glucose concentrations.
 
References: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/nda110408.htm