EFSA Issues Positive Opinions on DHA, EPA

KAISERAUGST,SwiterlandDSM Nutritional Products confirmed the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued positive opinions on the beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA), two essential omega-3 long chain polyununsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). EFSAs opinion supports the scientific evidence on the beneficial effects of DHA and/or EPA on brain health, heart health and vision, which are all health benefit areas with increasing importance to Europes ageing population. Health claims for DHA and EPA were submitted through EU Member States. DSM helped prepare several such submissions which included a reference list of supporting scientific evidence for the claim.

Following this opinion, DSM expects the European Commission will approve the health claims for DHA and EPA relating to brain health, heart health and vision.  

As Amanda Ruess, director of Nutritional Lipids, commented: ROPUFA® DHA and EPA from DSM Nutritional Products have excellent organoleptic and technical properties and are available in several product formulations making it a perfect source for food, beverage, infant and dietary supplement applications".  

The EU Art. 13 list of approved Health Claims will come into effect after its official publication now expected in early 2012. This list is designed to protect consumers against unfounded health claims for which there is little scientific substantiation. At the same time, it will favor manufacturers of functional ingredients with solid scientific evidence that supports ingredient efficacy.

Products containing DHA will be able to make the following claims, at the daily dosage levels indicated in brackets: