22 December 1998: PARNUTS - Draft Commission Directive on Foods for Special Medical Purposes

Draft Commission Directive on Foods for Special Medical Purposes

• at Table 2 the maximum for copper was changed to 120 micrograms/l00 kJ (typographical error), and the maximum for calcium for the 1-10 age group was changed to 250 mg/l00 kcal, (oversight); [as amended by JFSSG letter, 28 January 1999]
• the Commission accepted the case put forward by a number of Member States in support of exemption of low birthweight formulae and on the need for further consideration of limits for products for patients with phenylketonuria and other related metabolic disorders;
• the Commission confirmed that the accompanying list of approved nutritional substances was likely to be adopted in March;

Adoption of rules for this category of foods is a significant step forward. A number of concerns over the likely operation of these rules were noted at the Committee; the Commission has expressed its willingness to propose amendments if this should prove necessary.