Health messages from Europe: now there is the register of the first 222

The first 222 health messages based on solid scientific advice were established in Brussels with the aim of having misleading messages withdrawn from the market by the end of the year. A "Community register of nutritional and health messages" will be drawn up to collect all messages authorized by the European Union.

It is intended to ensure that the claim has been scientifically proven and positively evaluated by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).
Health Commissioner John Dalli explained that the decision is "the fruit of years of work and represents an important date in the legislation on food products".

Furthermore, the list "can be consulted online and will allow all European consumers to make an informed choice". As for messages without scientific basis - continued Dalli - "they will have to be withdrawn from the market after a short period of transition".

This will be a key tool for consumers, businesses and regulatory authorities.

Food producers will have six months to adapt to the new demands: "from the beginning of next December, all messages that have not been authorized, or are still awaiting examination, will be banned".