FHI "getting its act together" for positive EFSA opinions

This content item was originally published on www.nutraingredients.com, a William Reed online publication.

By Jane Byrne

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Nutrition

A trial underway will provide the substantiation that EFSA needs in order to get a health claim for a protein mix used in combination with an exercise programme for improving muscle mass in the elderly, claims value-added dairy project Food for Health Ireland (FHI).

Where other players are critical of the existing EU health claims approvals process, Jens Bleiel, CEO of FHI, said the diary and academia industry alliance is “getting its act together”​ by developing the necessary data for claims through excellent scientific research.

Speaking to this publication at FIE in Paris last week, he stressed that the framework around the healthy ageing-focussed intervention study currently underway in Ireland is informed by careful analysis by FHI of the various health approvals or rejections by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Bleiel reckons using this approach should ensure the academia/industry colloboration can meet the Parma-based assessor’s criteria for a positive opinion.

He also flagged up the potential for ingredient launches in the next 12 to 18 months arising out of the close partnership between Irish universities and leading dairy firms including Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia and the Kerry Group.

Related topics Regulation & Safety

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