EFSA OKs Tooth-Friendly Labeling

PARMA, Italy The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a favorable opinion on the tooth-friendly" health claim for foods and beverages that are demonstrably non-cariogenic and non-erosive. EFSA initially declined to evaluate the claim saying the dental benefits of tooth-friendly foods are not the result of an active effect of an ingredient or component.

As reported by Nutrition Horizon, the positive scientific opinion builds the basis for the continued use of the Toothfriendly quality seal on foods which neither contain neither fermentable carbohydrates nor excessive amounts of food acids.

To qualify for the "Toothfriendly" claim, foods should not lower the pH of the dental plaque below 5.7 during consumption and for up to 30 minutes after consumption. Foods containing acids should not expose the teeth to excessive amounts of acid during consumption. The "Toothfriendly" quality seal is licensed to food manufacturers for use on the label and in the promotion of their qualifying foods by Toothfriendly International, a nonprofit association governed by dental professionals