What should be the FDA’s role in regulating functional foods?
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
