GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the UK's largest pharmaceutical company, and a member of the BSNA Sports Nutrition group, have been named 'Official Laboratory Services Provider' for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There are strict regulations governing substances athletes are permitted to take managed by WADA, the World Anti Doping Authority and London 2012 are taking the matter of compliance with the regulations very seriously. Over 6000 drug tests will be carried out, more than any other Games has seen.
Sport nutrition is a growing area of expertise, highlighting the importance of accurate and up to date scientific information. In recognition of this, the UK's Nutrition Society, the professional association of nutritionists, has recently published a new book 'Sport and Exercise Nutrition'
The long awaited Food Information to Consumers Regulation was published in November 2011. This new Regulation will result in changes to most food and drink labels, including those of specialist nutrition products. The majority of these label changes will need to be made by December 2014 in accordance with the transition periods for the Regulation.
The European Commission's proposal to revise the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive', has been under discussion by the European Council of Ministers since October 2011 and the Polish Presidency of the Council has issued a report on the progress to date as part of its handover to the new Danish Presidency which will take over from 1 January 2012.
The European Commission published a proposal to revise the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive', in June 2011. The Commission proposal is now under discussion by the European Council of Ministers.
The UK Department of Health has launched a consultation on the proposals put forward by the European Commission for the revision of the current legislation for Foods for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs), known as the 'PARNUTs Framework Directive'.
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.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has clarified its position, following a request from the BSNA, on the use of glycerol in food products for athletes, confirming that normal levels of intake from foodstuffs is not an issue.
A new series of fact sheets reviewing each of the specialist nutrition categories from a European view has been published by IDACE. IDACE is the European Trade Association for specialist nutrition products and is based in Brussels. The fact sheets cover infant and follow-on formula, complementary foods, medical foods, gluten free foods, sport foods and slimming foods. These categories are governed by the PARNUTs Framework Directive (Foods for PARticular NUTritional purposes). The PARNUTs Framework Directive is currently undergoing review and redrafting in Brussels and these fact sheets provide information on each category and show the importance of clear regulation for these important products.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement reiterates the importance of an appropriate diet for athletes, and discusses the use of supplements. They acknowledge that to enjoy the benefits of sport, athletes, whether elite or recreational, should adopt nutrition strategies to optimise performance and support good health. Diet does influence athletic performance, and choosing appropriate foods and drinks in the correct quantities is important before, during and after training and competition. The IOC reaffirms the important role of qualified sports nutrition professionals in giving appropriate and specific advice and support.