(Brussels, 15 March 2012) FoodDrinkEurope calls for the support of ENVI1 Members of the European Parliament to reject the objection tabled against the list of permitted Article 13 health claims when MEPs vote on this issue in Committee next Wednesday, 21 March. FoodDrinkEurope strongly supports the adoption of the Article 13 list and the authorisation process for claims on foods laid down by Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims.

The adoption of the Article 13 health claims list would help harmonise the use of scientifically substantiated claims on foods across the EU and create a level playing field on which manufacturers can compete and innovate. A harmonised, Union-wide list of permitted health claims also brings certainty to the consumer, providing information on the beneficial properties of nutrients in foods, underpinned by science, helping consumers to make informed food choices, contributing to balanced diets and healthier lifestyles.

The process has been complex and lengthy, but agreement on 222 health claims is an important step in the process towards the adoption of a final list of approved health claims permitted throughout the EU market. Moving forward, FoodDrinkEurope continues to reiterate the need for improved dialogue with and guidance from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concerning the submission of future health claims applications, creating more certainty for food business operators investing in research and development in this respect.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Lisa McCooey, Deputy Director General/Director of Communications

Tel.: +32 2 508 10 24, l.mccooey@fooddrinkeurope.eu

FoodDrinkEurope’s mission is to represent the food and drink industries of the EU – the largest manufacturing sector in the EU in terms of turnover and employment. FoodDrinkEurope works with European and international institutions, in order to contribute to the development of a legislative and economic framework addressing the competitiveness of industry, food quality and safety, consumer protection and respect for the environment. FoodDrinkEurope's membership consists of 25 national federations, including 3 observers, 26 European sector associations and 18 major food and drink companies. For more information on FoodDrinkEurope and its activities, please visit: www.fooddrinkeurope.eu

1 Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee of the European Parliament:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/ENVI/home.html