EFSA Publishes Scientific Opinion on UL of EPA, DHA, DPA Omega-3s

BERLINThe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a Scientific Opinion on the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) omega-3s.The opinion stated that available data are insufficient to establish a UL for the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) individually or combined for any population group.

The panel noted, at observed intake levels, consumption of omega-3 LCPUFA has not been associated with adverse affects in healthy children or adults." The panel did specify that there was no significant risk with long-term supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined up to about 5g/day; it also qualified that supplemental intakes up to 1.8g/day of EPA alone do not raise safety concerns for the adult population and up to 1g/day for DHA alone does not raise any safety concerns for the general population.
 
The decision, which was published in the EFSA Journal, was the result of a request from the European Commission (EC) to deliver a scientific opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of the omega-3 LCPUFAs EPA, DHA and DPA. In 2009, more than 10,000 health claims were submitted by the EC to the EFSA to be considered under Article 13 of the EC regulation on health claims. Germany asked the EC to start a regulatory procedure to set an upper limit intake for EPA and DHA in the European Union in 2011. Concerns raised by Germany and possibly other Member States resulted in three Article 13 claims being put on hold due to intake levels.
 
The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) said certain omega-3 claims were put on hold as a result of the pending upper limit decision. Now that the decision has been published, if necessary, GOED will continue to be proactive on moving those claims forward.
 
In addition, in June 2011, the Swiss government in SR 817.022.104 (Regulation on Special Food). Annex 13 adopted an upper limit of 250 mg of EPA and DHA intake for the general population and up to 400 mg EPA and DHA for pregnant and lactating women. GOED said it will approach the government with the EFSA opinion to ask them to reconsider their position.