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EFSA regulation - Health claims for EPA and DHA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an agency of the European Union that provides independent scientific advice and communication on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain, created by European Regulation 178/2002. EFSA's work covers all matters with a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety, including animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health and nutrition. EFSA supports the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU member states in taking effective and timely risk management decisions that ensure the protection of the health of European consumers and the safety of the food and feed chain. EFSA also communicates to the public in an open and transparent way on all matters within its remit.

Health claims

Health claims made in relation to food products require authorisation under Regulation EC 1924/2006 before they can be used in the labelling and marketing of these products in the EU. Within the context of this authorisation procedure, EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of the health claims.

 

The following health claims for EPA and DHA have been approved by EFSA (Commission Regulation (EU) 1924/2006 and 432/2012):

 

• DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart (0.25 g per day)
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure (3 g per day)
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (2 g per day)
• DHA contributes to maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (2 g per day in combination with EPA)
• DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function (0.25 g per day)
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision (0.25 g per day)
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants (0.2 g DHA plus the daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA for adults which is 0.25 g per day).
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants (0.2 g DHA plus the daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) for adults which is 0.25 g per day).