Justifying plant claims

Strictly regulated at European level by EFSA (Regulation 1924/2006), claims are understood to take various forms: text, image, or graphic element that assert, suggest or imply that a food has particular characteristics. In order to be used, this information must be accompanied by a compliant health claim.

Compliant health claims include generic claims for vitamins, minerals and certain substances and pending plant claims.

These pending claims have not yet been evaluated by the European Commission, but some of them can still be used provided that the conditions of use are respected and that the marketer is able to provide scientific proof of the effect of the plant in the event of a control by the DGCCRF.

 IRATI DEVELOPMENTS

During its developments, IRATI INTERNATIONAL proposes formulas according to the EFSA recommendations, based on the authorised claims for vitamins and minerals and proposing the pending plant claims that would be eligible for the proposed formula. The supporting file remains the responsibility of the operator placing the product on the market.

IRATI REGULATORY TEAM

Find our dedicated team of experts specialised in regulatory affairs in France and abroad, integrated within the development department for better monitoring of your products based on a continuously updated regulatory watch.

Amandine: a food engineer with a degree from ENSCBP, I have made nutrition my main interest. After a first experience in food supplements for a few months, it was natural for me to join IRATI INTERNATIONAL, a major player in this field, and to specialise in regulations.

Ophélie: I started my university studies in the field of nutrition and then spontaneously moved towards Nutraceuticals. My professional experiences led me to become interested in its regulation. My adventure within IRATI INTERNATIONAL has allowed me to develop my interest in this constantly changing sector.

Alexandre: My university course in the Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science in Rennes plunged me into the world of nutraceuticals. I had the opportunity to join Synadiet, the national union, and then Nutraveris, the scientific and regulatory consultancy. Thanks to these experiences within major players in the food supplements industry, I have developed an expertise in regulations. I continue to develop this speciality every day at IRATI INTERNATIONAL.

Brunelle: I graduated from the University of Rennes 1 with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science, Nutraceutical Engineering in 2021. I decided to join the regulatory team at IRATI INTERNATIONAL following my internship in this company. 

GOOD TO KNOW

To date, no official justification method is recommended by the DGCCRF despite work initiated on the subject. The Synadiet has therefore proposed a grading system with grades from A to C: A being a grade indicating a solid scientific basis for the justification of the claim and C being a grade indicating that there is little scientific justification.