Open AccessOrganic foods and contribution to the protection of body cells and molecules (lipids and DNA ) from oxidative damage: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation ( EC ) No 1924/2006
Author(s) -
Turck Dominique,
Bohn Torsten,
Castenmiller Jacqueline,
De Henauw Stefaan,
HirschErnst Karen Ildico,
Knutsen Helle Katrine,
Maciuk Alexandre,
Mangelsdorf Inge,
McArdle Harry J,
Naska Androniki,
Pelaez Carmen,
Pentieva Kristina,
Thies Frank,
Tsabouri Sophia,
Vinceti Marco,
Bresson JeanLouis,
Siani Alfonso
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6847
Subject(s) - health claims on food labels , authorization , food safety , oxidative damage , environmental health , scope (computer science) , organic chemicals , health protection , food science , business , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , medicine , chemistry , oxidative stress , biochemistry , environmental chemistry , computer security , computer science , programming language
Following an application from Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation ( EC ) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Cyprus, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens ( NDA ) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to organic foods and contribution to the protection of body cells and molecules (lipids and DNA ) from oxidative damage. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to children's development and health. The food proposed by the applicant as the subject of the health claim is ‘organic foods’. The applicant claimed that organic foods are characterised by their lower level of pesticides residues compared with foods not labelled as organic. The Panel notes, however, that in the application and the human studies submitted the nutritional composition and the pesticide concentration in ‘organic food’ are not reported. The Panel considers that organic foods which are the subject of the health claim, and the foods that they are intended to replace are not sufficiently characterised. Therefore, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship cannot be established between the consumption of organic foods and contribution to the protection of body cells and molecules (lipids and DNA ) from oxidative damage.