According to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED), Salt Lake City, UT, the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH) has voted to adopt a Commission Regulation authorizing a list of Article 13 health claims that includes several omega 3 claims.

Specifically, GOED said, the claims in question and conditions of use include:

• “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.” Conditions of use of claim: The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40 mg of DHA per 100 g and per 100 kcal. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.

• “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.” Conditions of use of claim: The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40 mg of DHA per 100 g and per 100 kcal. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.

• “EPA and EDA contribute to the normal function of the heart.” Conditions of use of claim: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of EPA and DHA; 40 mg of the sum of EPA and DHA per 100 g and per 100 kcal. In order to bear the claim, information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.

GOED noted the regulation is now subject to a three-month review by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The regulation will enter into force on the 20th day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply from six months after the date of entry into force. GOED will be monitoring what happens during the Parliamentary scrutiny period.