12.01.07
The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) said in early November that food supplements should not be subject to nutrient profiling. This news came forth just as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) prepared its opinion on the system’s feasibility. EHPM believes the system, which determines what foodstuffs will be prohibited or further restricted from making nutrition or health claims based on their sugar, fat and salt content, should not apply to food supplements since the levels of these substances are generally absent or very low. The concept of nutrient profiling was introduced to address concerns that health claims on foods high in these substances would lead to more consumption and contribute to rising obesity levels. The system is currently being assessed by the EFSA, which will provide its opinion to the European Commission by the end of January next year.
“The setting of nutrient profiles is a very complex, highly contentious matter,” said EHPM chairman Peter van Doorn. “EFSA is still determining which food categories will be subject to the system, but we trust they will agree that food supplements should be exempted.”
“The setting of nutrient profiles is a very complex, highly contentious matter,” said EHPM chairman Peter van Doorn. “EFSA is still determining which food categories will be subject to the system, but we trust they will agree that food supplements should be exempted.”