(Brussels, 21 March 2012) European food manufacturers welcome the European Parliament ENVI Committee’s rejection of the objection tabled against the list of permitted Article 13 health claims today. Following a lengthy and complex process, this is an important step towards the adoption of 222 scientifically substantiated and permitted Article 13.1 generic health claims on foods as laid down by Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims.

A European-wide list of permitted Article 13.1 health claims list would bring certainty to the consumer, provide information on the beneficial properties of nutrients in food and help consumers to make informed food choices, contributing to balanced diets and healthier lifestyles. Harmonisation of the use of scientifically substantiated claims on foods across the EU would also encourage industry to continue providing valuable new scientific evidence In view of future health claim applications, FoodDrinkEurope reiterates its call for improved dialogue and guidance between applicants and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide more certainty for food business operators when investing in R&D and innovation to facilitate this further.

-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