Commission proposals for the dietetic food sector are a threat to vulnerable consumers Jun 2011

The European Commission published new proposals for the Dietetic foods sector on 20 June 2011.  These proposals suggest that slimming foods (meal replacements), sports nutrition products and gluten-free foods become “general” foods.
 
BSNA supports the position of the European Dietetic Food Industry Association (IDACE) that the proposal for dietetic foods will abolish special protection for vulnerable consumers which has existed for over 3 decades.

The existing dietetic food legislation has safely protected vulnerable EU consumers for more than 35 years. It has provided specialist and strictly regulated foods for infants, young children, the obese and overweight, the malnourished (medical nutrition),  food allergic and intolerant (e.g. coeliac disease patients), and athletes.

President of IDACE, Ferdinand Haschke, has said:

“There is no justification for dismantling the existing legislation. General food law alone is not adequate to provide food safety and health protection for the vulnerable and fragile part of the EU population. Many of our consumers have very special and unique nutritional needs.”

IDACE members from 18 countries, including BSNA, have confirmed that they will do all they can to significantly amend this proposal in order to ensure that there is continued protection for the vulnerable population groups that they serve.  Inappropriately transferring parts of this legislation to the embryonic Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation is not acceptable.