Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to dried plums of ‘prune’ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function (ID 1164, further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Abstract

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy ABSTRACTFollowing a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13.1 of Regulation (EC) No 1924No /2006 in the framework of further assessment related to plums of "prune" cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function. The food that is the subject of the claim, prunes (dried plums of "prune" cultivars (Prunus domestica L.)) is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, maintenance of normal bowel function, is a beneficial physiological effect. The proposed target population is the general population. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that two human intervention studies showed an effect of dried plums on bowel function, that one study with considerable limitations showed an effect of dried plums on stool consistency, but not on other measures of bowel function, that another study with considerable limitations did not show an effect of dried plums on bowel function when compared to dried apple, and that there is good evidence for plausible mechanisms by which some components of prunes may contribute to the claimed effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of dried plums of "prune" cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function. In order to obtain the claimed effect, about 100 g of dried plums (prunes) should be consumed daily. The target population is the general population.© European Food Safety Authority, 2012 KEY WORDSPrunes, dried plums, Prunus domestica L., bowel function, health claims. States that a certain number of Article 13 health claims would be eligible for further assessment by EFSA in order to be able to take a final decision on whether or not to include these claims in the list of permitted health claims. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of a health claim in relation to dried plums of "prune" cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims, references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders and the additional information provided by the competent Authority of France for further assessment of this claim.The food that is the subject of the health claim is prunes. The Panel considers that prunes, (dried plums of "prune" cultivars (Prunus domestica L.)) are sufficiently characterised.The claimed effect, which is eligible for further assessment, is maintenance of normal bowel function. The proposed target population is the general population. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal bowel function is a beneficial physiological effect.In its earlier opinion the Panel considered two human intervention studies. In the fr...

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to prunes and contribution to normal bowel function pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

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ABSTRACTFollowing an application from Specialised Nutrition Europe (formerly IDACE), submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924No /2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to prunes and contribution to normal bowel function. The food constituent, prunes, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised.

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