Written question asked by Earl Howe (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Warner (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2006.

Food: Health Claims

Question: What definition has been agreed between European Union member states for generally accepted scientific evidence under the European Union nutrition and health claims made on foods regulation; and what guidance will be available to food manufacturers from the European Food Safety Authority for submissions to the Community register of health claims.

Answer: Member states of the European Union have not agreed a definition of generally accepted scientific evidence for the EU regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods. The Commission,with the assistance of the European Food Safety Authority, is required to give advice to food manufacturers and assistance to small businesses on the preparation and presentation of an application for the authorisation of health claims. We expect this to be addressed once the regulation is published around the end of the year.

Secondary information