Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to foods with reduced amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and maintenance of normal blood LDL cholesterol concentrations (ID 620, 671, 4332) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

摘要

This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to foods with reduced amounts of saturated fatty acids and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders. The food constituents that are the subject of the health claim are “saturated fats/saturated fatty acids (decrease)” and “decrease of saturated fatty acids”. This opinion applies to mixtures of saturated fatty acids as present in foods. The Panel considers that saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are sufficiently characterised. The claimed effects are “blood cholesterol and artery/heart health”, and “cardio-vascular system”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings and clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effects refer to the maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations is a beneficial physiological effect. The evidence provided by consensus opinions/reports from authoritative bodies and reviews shows that there is good consensus that a mixture of SFAs increases blood total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations relative to carbohydrates, which are considered neutral regarding their effects on 1 On request from the European Commission, Question No EFSA-Q-2008-1407, EFSA-Q-2008-1458, EFSA-Q-2010-00285, adopted on 28 January 2011. Panel members: Carlo Agostoni, Jean-Louis Bresson, Susan Fairweather-Tait, Albert Flynn, Ines Golly, Hannu Korhonen, Pagona Lagiou, Martinus L?vik, Rosangela Marchelli, Ambroise Martin, Bevan Moseley, Monika Neuh?user-Berthold, Hildegard Przyrembel, Seppo Salminen, Yolanda Sanz, Sean (J.J.) Strain, Stephan Strobel, Inge Tetens, Daniel Tomé, Hendrik van Loveren and Hans Verhagen.