DoH Letter, 14 August, 2012
An update has been published on the European Commission’s discussion paper on health claims on botanical substances used in foods.
The assessment of health claims for botanical substances by the European Food Safety Authority was put on hold by the European Commission. During this pause, the European Commission has carried out an internal reflection and consultations on the approach for assessment of health claims for botanical substances. The European Commission is now seeking Member States’ views through a series of questions within the discussion paper.
The Commission has indicated that these questions will be discussed at a working group meeting in September (a date has not been confirmed). I would therefore be grateful for your comments on these questions and any other issues you may wish to raise by Friday 31 August.
The discussion paper is available on request, by emailing the nutrition and health claims mail box at: nutritionandhealthclaims@dh.gsi.gov.uk