Papaya liar? Italy issues €250,000 fine over ‘distorted’ health claims

Italy’s Market and Competition Authority found the claims for Named S.p.a.’s ‘Immun’Age’ fermented papaya food supplement brand not substantiated under the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR).

In handing in its ruling the Authority said the claims, still live as of today, were “distorted”.​

Named S.p.a. has been given 90 days to bring its marketing into line with the NHCR. The firm was not available for comment at the time of publication.

It is believed to be the largest fine issued by an EU member state against unauthorised health claims since the controversial regulation became law in 2007.

The official EU health claims register shows four rejected general function, article 13.1 health claim applications for papaya relating to antioxidant activity, cholesterol management and improved digestion.

The Italian Market and Competition Authority noted this situation in its ruling even as it acknowledged further applications were on-hold and yet to be assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Italian food supplements group FederSalus told us after publication that Named was not a member of the group and that it was working to help its members comply with the NHCR.

@NutraEurope Named spa is not our member. FederSalus is the first Association in this industry to develop a Code of Conduct

— FederSalus (@FederSalus) September 29, 2014