About BSNA

The British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA) Ltd is the trade association representing the manufacturers of products designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals at different lifestages or with specific health requirements.

Those who use our products include:

infants and young children
those with severe allergies and intolerances
individuals who engage in intense physical activity
those where illness causes a restricted nutritional intake or increased nutritional requirements
those who have reached the later stages of life and whose diet requires supplementation

We are a specialist association and in recognition of that, the following areas provide important background to the work we do:

Scientific research

Our members ensure that the products they manufacture are based on sound scientific research, which requires an understanding of the specific nutritional needs of these consumers and providing for them in an appropriate manner. Innovation will help to ensure that the widest range of consumers with specialist nutritional needs can benefit from the products our members manufacture.

Specialist legislation

Our specialist product ranges are all regulated under the umbrella of the PARNUTS (Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses) Framework Directive. Gluten free foods are regulated by their own 'Gluten Free Foods Directive'. Detailed and specific legislation is important to ensure the protection of our consumers who have specific nutritional requirements.

Targeted communications

We work primarily with healthcare professionals and other opinion leaders to provide accurate and up to date information to support their contacts with patients. Additionally, we maintain contacts with regulators in the UK and Europe to ensure the recognition in law for these specialist products.

A copy of our Corporate Brochure giving an overview of the activities of the BSNA can be downloaded here. BSNA Corporate Brochure (May 2009) (pdf 1.5MB)

Our website has been developed to provide information for healthcare professionals, regulators, journalists, researchers, parliamentarians and policy makers in the field of health and nutrition.

We advise that enquiries from consumers are best directed to an appropriate health professional and that requests for specific branded product information should be directed to the manufacturing company. Company contact details can be found on our 'Members' page.

European and Global Associations

IDACE - The Association of the Food Industry for Particular Nutritional Uses of the European Union

IDACE is the association representing the dietetic food industries of the European Union. IDACE has provided this service for almost 50 years.

IDACE represents 17 EU Member State Dietetic Trade Associations.
IDACE is recognised as an NGO by the CODEX Alimentarius Committees.

The common element which unites these Associations being the EU PARNUTS – Products for Particular Nutritional Uses Framework Directive and its associated sector legislation for Infant and Follow On Formula, Complementary Foods, Medical Foods and Slimming Foods.

ISDI - International Special Dietary Foods Industries

ISDI is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) representing the dietetic food industry globally. It is currently recognised as such by the World Health Organisation and by the Codex Alimentarius.

Its membership comprises Trade Associations who have interests particularly in Infant Nutrition but also other dietetic areas covered by the various Codex Committees including CCFNSDU, CCFH, CCFL and CCFA.

Current membership includes Europe, North America, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand