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

Following an application from Specialised Nutrition Europe (formerly IDACE), submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 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. Contribution to normal bowel function is a beneficial physiological effect without the occurrence of diarrhoea for infants and young children from six months to three years of age. No evidence was provided by the applicant to substantiate the effect of prunes on bowel function without the occurrence of diarrhoea for infants and young children. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of prunes and contribution to normal bowel function without the occurrence of diarrhoea for infants and young children from six months to three years of age.