EU Commission: Barry Callebaut Can Make Cocoa Flavanols Claim

ZURICH, SwitzerlandBarry Callebaut today announced the EU Commission has granted it the right to make a specific health claim related to cocoa flavanols. 

The approval by the EU Commission paves the way for Barry Callebaut to assert that "cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, which contributes to normal blood flow."

The "proprietary right" can be asserted within EU countries and for Barry Callebaut's ACTICOA cocoa and chocolate products, according to the company. Barry Callebaut noted its customers who use these products can apply the health claim on their products and packaging.

"The claim can be used for cocoa beverages (with cocoa powder) or for dark chocolate providing at least a daily intake of 200 mg of cocoa flavanols," Barry Callebaut stated in a press release.

Last year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive opinion on a cocoa flavanols health claim that was submitted in 2011, Barry Callebaut said.  The company said it provided evidence to the EFSA that the intake of cocoa flavanols positively influences blood circulation in the human body.