EHPM develops alternative model for claims assessment

European trade organization EHPM has published a model for the assessment of article 13.1 claims in a call for the authorities to help re-assess the article13 process currently underway.

The model, which has been developed in conjunction with trade organizations ERNA, and the European Botanical Forum (EBF) is based on the EU’s nutrition and health claims regulation, the terms of reference and legal opinions, and has been scientifically reviewed.

The model, which has been sent to the European Commission and EFSA, addresses the different missions assigned to EFSA for the assessment of article 13.1 and article 14 claims, and shows that based on the format of the article 13.1 list it is impossible for EFSA to investigate a claim to the same level of detail as an application for an article 14 authorization.

The model is an extensive document that analyses in detail the essential elements of the scientific assessment of article 13 list claims, such as to what extent the substance is sufficiently characterized or the claimed effect is beneficial for health; the extent to which a cause-effect relationship is established or whether the effect on the function is significant in relation to the quantity of the food; to what extent the specific study group(s) in which the evidence was obtained is representative; and whether the wording of the claim reflects the scientific evidence.