Food Law News - EU - 1998
10 August 1998: PARNUTS - Draft Commission Directive on Foods for Special Medical Purposes
JFSSG Letter, 10 August 1998
Draft Commission Directive on Foods for Special Medical Purposes
The above draft Directive was discussed at a meeting in Brussels on 10 June. In light of that discussion the Commission has issued a revised document. A copy of the revised draft was circulated with the letter. Member States were additionally asked to consider the following issues:
- Name under which these foods are sold: Member States noted the need to harmonise the name under which these foods are sold. In addition to the UK’s customary name: ‘Foods for Special Medical Purposes’, the terms ‘dietetic and ‘clinical’ are used by some countries in the name of these foods.
- Nutrition labelling for products ‘as sold’ or ‘ready to use’: Mandatory nutrition labelling of these products has been revised to be on an ‘as sold’ basis following comments from industry.
- Intended use of the product: An article in the draft would require products to be labelled with a statement ‘For the dietary management of .....’. Member States noted practical difficulties presented when labelling products which are suitable for use for a range of conditions, and the contrary consideration that patients may be concerned if the products they use are not labelled as suitable for their particular condition.
- Advertising/point of sale: Should there be any restriction placed on product advertising and/or the point of sale of these products?
The letter requested comments by 28 August. For previous item, see 27 April 1998
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