The public hearing on what role, if any, the agency should play in defining and regulating functional foods was held on December 5th.

Basically, established positions were restated, Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals reports.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

• Established processes for bringing foods with health claims to market are not stringent enough.
• It’s had the unintended effect of discrediting all health claims — even those with strong clinical backing.
• Health claim benefits should be based on “nutritive value or ? physiological effect that has been scientifically documented.”

Natural Products Association (represents major supplements makers)

• “The current system provides … adequate authority.”

American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) agreed.

• The GRAS [Generally Recognized As Safe] notification system works well.
• The FDA should use current law to address the use of novel ingredients in functional food.

That was useful.

12/12/06 20:23 JR