EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform 11th Meeting

The EFSA Management Board took a decision in July 2009 to renew the Stakeholder Consultative Platform, and EPHA was re-selected to represent the public health community in this forum. The Platform is of strategic importance for the Authority and its relations with Stakeholders and provides for interactive dialogue, advice and support. The Platform is designed so as to ensure an appropriate balance of interests. The role of the Platform has been enhanced, with three meetings per year and a number of technical meetings, and input into public consultations from the Platform members.

Discussions at this Platform meeting focussed on the new challenges for 2010 within EFSA’s remit, including health claims, dietary reference values for macronutrients, GMOs and pesticides. On the topic of health claims in particular, there were extensive discussions. EFSA was tasked with producing scientific opinions on health and nutrition claims, in line with Regulation (EC) 1924/2006, which has the objective to help consumers select health diets without being misled. It also provides for fair competition between producers. An expert from the EFSA Nutrients, Dietetics and Allergies Panel (NDA) gave an update to the assessments, which require accurate and sound evidence demonstrating the claimed effect’s meaningful contribution to health. Stakeholders were given a detailed update on the evaluations for Article 13.1 health claims (claims of general function).

In terms of future developments with the Platform, members were given the opportunity to comment on the work programme of the Platform and to suggest other areas of work for the Platform. The possibility to increase the number of technical meetings was discussed as was the possibility to establish a number of working groups on specific topics. EPHA ensured that concerns over resources, representativeness were documented. EFSA confirmed that it would provide the Secretariat for any of the proposed meetings. Members will now have the opportunity to discuss the suggestions with their organisations and members, before submitting a response in writing to EFSA.

EPHA related articles

EFSA Press Release: Opinions on ’health claims of general function’ released

EFSA to publish opinions on health claims in ’batches’

EFSA Press Release: assessment of vitamin and mineral sources used in food supplements

Summary report from the EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform, 4-5 June 2009, Brussels

Government Action Needed To Reduce Harmful Drinking Say Public Sector Professionals

Risk Assessment for GMOs: The Role for Europe

For further information

European Food Safety Authority