Allégations de santé des aliments : une perspective communautaire

The development of health claims for food is driven by a strong industrial impetus and by consumer demand. From the regulatory point of view, the European legislation is fragmented; food and health legislations are contradictory on some aspects. National authorities carry out the regulation of health claims for food according to their own rules. A more comprehensive and harmonized approach within the European Community will be provided by the European regulation currently under discussion between the European Commission and the Parliament. Nevertheless, its final adoption and its implementation will take time. In addition, it won't solve the difficulties related to the assessment of the scientific substantiation of these claims. The role of health authorities in the implementation of rules regarding the safety of consumers remains unadressed.