NEWS
2011-11-18
EFSA and Water: Some Clarifications
Brussels, 18
November 2011
EFSA and water:
some clarifications
On 16 November 2011 the European Commission published the list of health
claims made on foods and referring to the reduction of disease risk (EU No
1170/2011) rejected in previous months by the European Food Safety
Authority (EFSA).
Among those claims was a claim related to the role of water in the
prevention of dehydration filed earlier this year by two German
scientists. At the time, the claim had to be rejected by EFSA because it
was filed under the wrong legal provision (Article 14 of Regulation
1924/2006/EC instead of Article 13). In short, Article 14 deals with
diseases and illnesses whereas dehydration was not regarded by EFSA as a
disease.
The press has misinterpreted the publication in the Official Journal by
concluding that EFSA was challenging the role of water in the context of
hydration. In fact nothing could be further from the truth!
EFSA, a strong
supporter of water
In two recent scientific opinions, EFSA underlined the crucial role of
water:
- In its scientific
opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Water dated March 2010, EFSA
stated that “Water is essential for practically all functions of the
body...” and that … “A water intake which balances losses and
thereby assures adequate hydration of body tissues is essential for health
and life”.
EFSA recommends a total water intake of 2.0 litres a day for adult women
and 2.5 litres a day for adult men, under moderate conditions of activity
and temperature.
- In April 2011,
EFSA also acknowledged the role of water “in the maintenance of normal
physical and cognitive functions” and in” the maintenance of normal
thermoregulation” and delivered a favourable opinion for the use of those
two claims.
Water, a key role to
play towards health
From a public health perspective, water has a key role to play towards a
healthy diet, especially taking into account growing diabetes and obesity
problems. Water should therefore be promoted and EFSA’s recent work goes
clearly in that direction.
EFBW fully supports EFSA’s efforts in promoting water. Without additives
or calories, bottled water offers a truly natural and healthy choice which
enables to stay hydrated throughout the day.
About EFBW
EFBW is the voice of the European bottled water industry. We raise
awareness on the work the sector does to ensure that naturally sourced
waters offer a high quality, pure and convenient way to hydrate, and
represents a sustainable and responsible choice for European citizens. The
federation represents more than 600 bottled water producers with
approximately 158,000 direct employees.
Contact Us
Tel: +32 (0)2 210 20 32
Email: info@efbw.org