Maximum potential: Sports nutrition industry welcomes ‘watershed’ EU special foods vote

By Shane STARLING

- Last updated on GMT

Sports nutrition industry welcomes EU special foods vote
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) has welcomed today’s European Parliament vote that means sports nutrition products will move to general food law as existing special foods regulations are overhauled after years of debate.

The group said the vote to revise PARNUTS (foods for particular nutritional purposes) would give the sports nutrition sector greater flexibility and maximise innovation potential. The rule changes have been broadly welcomed by other ‘special foods’ groups like infant formula, gluten-free foods and medical foods for the elderly and sick.

'Watershed moment'

“This is a watershed moment in a debate that has lasted for more than ten years,” ​said ESSNA chair, Dr Adam Carey.

“We have always been very clear that establishing criteria for a few categories of sports foods would have been extremely damaging to the industry. We are delighted that our concerns have been recognised and acted upon.”

“There are a number of issues still to resolve and we will be engaging fully with the European Commission’s report, which will be an important piece of work – one we hope will lead to a functioning single market of sports foods across the European Union.  This would help ensure further growth in what is already a thriving sector.”

The new laws will be applicable in 2016 – after a 3-year transition period.

At the same time the European Commission has tasked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to review whether any further provisions are required in regard to sports nutrition products – along with 'children's milks' - a move also welcomed by ESSNA.

EU Parliament -wide
The European Parliament has voted long-called for PARNUTS changes

Roger Clarke, member of the European Dietetic Food Industry Association (IDACE) operational board, also welcomed the vote and changes but added: “Work remains to be done in order to complete this basic act, and to ensure appropriate legal solutions for several categories of specialised nutrition for which the legislative future remains unclear.​”

ESSNA members include Adams Food Ingredients, Aminolabs, Carbery, First Milk, Iovate Health Sciences, Maxinutrition, NSF, Volac and Weider Germany. The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association is an associate member.

Special foods account for about 1-2% of the total European food market – or about €24bn.

Tonio Borg, the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumers said: “I welcome today’s endorsement by the European Parliament as we need to make sure that EU rules on food for specific groups are fit for purpose and evolve at the same speed as market developments."

"Today’s agreement goes exactly in that direction by maintaining rules to protect vulnerable groups of consumers and by getting rid of outdated rules that no longer serve any purpose.” 

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Robuvit® French Oak Wood Extract for Sports

Robuvit® French Oak Wood Extract for Sports

Content provided by Horphag Research | 18-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Physical exercise is a vital component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet plays a significant role for those who want to stay fit or want...

Giellepi finds evidence of bromelain adulteration

Giellepi finds evidence of bromelain adulteration

Content provided by Giellepi SpA | 03-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

As demand for botanicals continues to increase, unethical suppliers try to maximize profitability offering adulterated raw materials.

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Content provided by Enovate Biolife LLC | 27-Jun-2024 | White Paper

Better physical performance & vitality have deep connections to muscular as well as cardio-respiratory health.

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars