http://www.nutraingredients.com/
May 16, 2011
Omega-3 scientists oppose EFSA ALA claim
An omega-3 researcher has written to the European Commission demanding a recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-approved claim for omega-3 form ALA be revoked.
In his letter to the EC, Professor Jack Winkler from the UK Nutrition Policy Unit, challenges EFSA’s article 14 children’s development verdict that an ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)-fortified infant food can benefit brain and nerve tissue development.
Professor Winkler, one of a group of about 20 omega-3 scientists that have long opposed ALA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)/DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) being treated with parity in product labelling due to bioavailability differentials, said the claim should be blocked because infant requirements for ALA are relatively low.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation/Omega-3-scientists-oppose-EFSA-ALA-claim
May 6, 2011
To benefit industry, consumers must understand health claims
Ensuring EFSA-approved health claims are understood and trusted by consumers is just as important as providing the scientific evidence to back them up, according to Dr Fiona Lalor.
A recent study, led by Lalor and her colleagues at the University College Dublin, found that an informed food choice regarding nutrition content from ‘health claim’ labels is only one aspect when consumers choose foods, noting that taste, price and trust in brands have high levels of influence in consumers’ purchase behaviours.
Lalor told NutraIngredients that one of the major issues in consumer perceptions is trust, and who to trust: Do they trust a large multinational company whose claims will be known globally, or are they more likely to trust a smaller local manufacturer who has maybe conducted a couple of product tests?
May 12, 2011
Beta glucan; Touchi win novel foods approval
A yeast beta glucan ingredient called Wellmune WGP and a fermented black bean extract have won novel foods approval for use in foods, drinks and food supplements from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) this week issued a positive scientific opinion for the yeast-derived immunity ingredient.
“We are pleased with the finding of EFSA’s review of our clinical and safety data supporting Wellmune WGP,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of the ingredient’s manufacturer, Biothera.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation/Beta-glucan-Touchi-win-novel-foods-approval
May 3, 2011
Class actions mount up as Bayer gets slapped with complaint over probiotic claims
The surge class action complaints against health claims on food, beverage and dietary supplements shows no sign of calming, as Bayer is targeted in a new class action lawsuit in California against claims made on some of its probiotic products.
On April 22, a consumer filed a class action lawsuit in California against Bayer HealthCare LLC accusing the company of false and deceptive advertising regarding benefits of its Phillips Probiotics Colon Health supplementpurchased on April 7 for $15.99.
The complaint, which can be read here , states: “Bayer manufactures, markets and sells health products known as Phillips Probiotics Colon Health, Probiotics + Fiber and Probiotics Caps. Through an extensive and comprehensive nationwide marketing campaign, Bayer claims that the products help ‘support’ consumers’ health benefits that other products cannot.