Background Paper
SUMMARY OF CODEX ALIMENTARIUS ISSUES
V. CODEX COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION AND FOODS FOR SPECIAL DIETARY
USES (CCNFSDU)
1. Nutrient Content Claims
At its last meeting, CCNFSDU agreed upon the conditions to make
“source” and “high” claims for protein,
minerals and vitamins, and submitted them to the Commission for
adoption. The Commission returned the guidelines to CCNFSDU for
further consideration because some countries objected to the option
of defining the claims in serving sizes. After discussion, it was
agreed to resubmit the Table of Conditions to the Commission, without
change, for adoption. Discussions on a definition and a method for
dietary fiber will continue.
2. Health Claims
France and the United States had prepared a discussion paper considering
scientific criteria for health related claims, and several countries
stressed the importance of this work. Meanwhile, CCFL has continued
work on the definition and conditions of health claims. CCNFSDU
will inform CCFL that CCNFSDU would continue its deliberations after
CCFL was further along on its definition of health claims.
3. Sports and Energy Drinks
CCFL had requested CCNFSDU to provide advice on whether “sports
drinks” should be considered as “foods for special dietary
uses” and the conditions for a “high energy” claim.
Several countries pointed out that energy drinks were categorized
as soft drinks and did not need a specific classification. South
Africa stated that some drinks used a “high energy”
claim, but had no high energy content; rather the claim was being
made about substances like caffeine. Several countries wanted sports
drinks to be treated as special dietary foods. It was decided that
a CL would request comments on whether sports foods and drinks are
foods for special dietary uses and on the high energy claim. This
topic will be discussed further at the next meeting.
4. Other Issues
Much of the discussions on Infant Formula and Processed Cereal-Based
Foods for Infants and Young Children continued to focus on the age
during which an infant should be exclusively breast fed. The Representative
of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that WHO recommended
that infants and children be fed exclusively on breast milk for
four to six months and then should begin receiving complementary
foods, while continuing to be breastfed for up to two years of age
or beyond; however, the opinion of WHO did not influence the delegates
who insisted that the time frame should be six months. No agreement
was reached.
The Committee will begin discussions on the following issues at
the next meeting: Discussion Paper on Energy Conversion Factors,
FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Food Consumption and Exposure Assessment
of Chemicals.
5. Next Meeting
To be determined.
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