IDACE, the European Trade Association for Specialist Nutrition, publishes new series of factsheets on product categories. May 2011

IDACE, the European Trade Association for specialist nutrition products, has published a new series of fact sheets describing each category of specialist products represented by the association.  The fact sheets provide an insight into the products in each category and the important roles they play in promoting health within the target group.  

Key to all areas covered by IDACE and BSNA is specialist legislation, in this case the PARNUTs (Foods for PARticular NUTritional purposes) Framework Directive.  This sets out rules on the composition, quality, marketing, labelling and use of PARNUTs.

The rules on PARNUTs are currently under review by the European Commission.  IDACE believes that maintaining specific legislation for PARNUTs is essential, as it helps to protect consumers, facilitate trade and support innovation.  However, the rules can be improved to better support these objectives, to keep pace with scientific developments and to prevent abuse of product definitions. IDACE calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament and member states to ensure that the revision of the Framework Directive takes these objectives into account.

The fact sheets can be downloaded here

IDACE Generic Issues Factsheet (pdf, 905 KB)

IDACE Infant Formula Factsheet (pdf, 855 KB)

IDACE Complementary Foods Factsheet (pdf, 1.1 MB)

IDACE FSMPs (Foods for Special Medical Purposes) Factsheet (pdf, 852 KB)

IDACE Gluten Free Factsheet (pdf, 1 MB)

IDACE Sports Nutrition Factsheet (pdf, 1 MB)

IDACE Slimming Foods Factsheet (pdf, 840 KB)

IDACE calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament and member states to maintain a provision for specific legislation on complementary foods for infants and young children during the revision of the PARNUTS Framework Directive.