Functional Foods in Europe

Claims Currently, health concerns of non-communicable diseases have necessitated investigating into options for dietary interventions including the role of functional foods and how to communicate responsible health and wellness claims. Globally, different approaches have been taken to formalise the scientific substantiation of claims. The attendees heard various examples of this, including the current situation in the US, developments in Southeast Asia and the Japanese FOSHU system. The current status of developments and progress in Europe on the health claims guidelines was presented by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The chair of the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) emphasised the need for high quality human intervention studies in supporting claims made on foods. The European regulatory terrain related to functional foods was presented by the EC Health & Consumer Protection Directorate General, who discussed the aim of and remaining work in the implementation of the regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods, which entered into force in January 2007. The UK Food Standards Authority (FSA) described some of the challenges faced from a national perspective in establishing a list of claims based on generally accepted scientific evidence. Where are the challenges and future opportunities for functional foods? Historically, there has been association between foods and health, but for functional foods to have a place in public health it will be necessary to optimise both the nutritional value and taste. With increasing knowledge of human genetics food may play a role for the individual needs and predispositions. Also, emerging food technologies can potentially lead to increased safety, convenience, quality and nutritional value, but these new technologies will only be an asset if their application is transparent to the consumer. The future of functional foods will depend on continued advances in food science and developments of innovative technologies, facilitating regulatory milieu and improved consumer understanding of claims. These issues were discussed by more than 300 experts from universities, food related companies, government and research institutions representing 45 countries at a 3-day symposium held in Portomaso, Malta, 9–11 May 2007. The symposium was organised by the International Life Sciences Institute – European branch (ILSI Europe) in collaboration with Malta Standards Authority, University of Malta and ILSI Southeast Asia. The Maltese Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care Hon. Louis Deguara opened the symposium. Mr. Deguara emphasised the need to bridge the gap between industry, academia and government and provide the forum for stakeholders to meet and discuss scientific issues for the benefit of public health. Published online: July 31, 2007