02.12.10
The EU has passed nutrition claims for omega 3s that will allow food products to claim they are a either a “source of omega 3 fatty acids” or that they contain “high omega 3 fatty acids.”
In order to make a source claim, products must contain either 40 mg of EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 300 mg of ALA, according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega 3s (GOED). Alternatively, to make a “high” content claim, a product must contain 80 mg EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 600 mg ALA.
“Overall this is a positive development for the omega 3 market because it will continue to grow both consumer awareness and usage across Europe…even in countries where consumers already understand the value of omega 3s,” said Adam Ismail, executive director, GOED.
The levels for EPA+DHA usage were based on an EFSA opinion that 250 mg of intake per day will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population.
“We are also aware that many companies in the industry would disagree with the inclusion of an ALA claim in the regulation, or at least on the basis of the science EFSA used to justify the levels,” said Mr. Ismail. “As we have explained in the past, we will continue to work with European officials to ensure that the claims reflect the most accurate science.”
In order to make a source claim, products must contain either 40 mg of EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 300 mg of ALA, according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega 3s (GOED). Alternatively, to make a “high” content claim, a product must contain 80 mg EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 600 mg ALA.
“Overall this is a positive development for the omega 3 market because it will continue to grow both consumer awareness and usage across Europe…even in countries where consumers already understand the value of omega 3s,” said Adam Ismail, executive director, GOED.
The levels for EPA+DHA usage were based on an EFSA opinion that 250 mg of intake per day will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population.
“We are also aware that many companies in the industry would disagree with the inclusion of an ALA claim in the regulation, or at least on the basis of the science EFSA used to justify the levels,” said Mr. Ismail. “As we have explained in the past, we will continue to work with European officials to ensure that the claims reflect the most accurate science.”