EFSA Releases Favorable Opinion on Folate

LONDONFood Supplements Europe welcomed the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)'s favorable opinion on folate food supplements for reducing risks of fetal neural tube defects, recognizing the supplements relevance for public health.

EFSA released its opinion last week, endorsing the role of 400 mcg supplementary folic acid in reducing the risk of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

The application for the health claim was jointly compiled by charity SHINE, the U.K. Department of Health and the industry associations Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) and the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).

"We welcome this positive opinion from EFSA," said Ingrid Atteryd, chair of Food Supplements Europe.
"CRN is a member of Food Supplements Europe, and we congratulate all involved in this great achievement for the food supplement sector."

The favorable EFSA opinion must now be agreed by the European Commission before it is fully permitted for use in the European Union (EU).

Food Supplements Europe recently added new members, including the German food supplement association BLL AK NEM and pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer Boots UK.