Rejection of health claim on creatine and cognitive function
- Health claims
Summary
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee that it intends to refuse a health claim submitted by Alzchem Trostberg GmbH that daily creatine supplementation can contribute to improved cognitive function (G/TBT/N/EU/1163).
EU proposes to refuse health claim linking creatine and improved cognitive function
Draft Commission Regulation refusing to authorise a health claim made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health
Draft Annex
Update
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee that it intends to refuse a health claim submitted by Alzchem Trostberg GmbH that daily creatine supplementation can contribute to improved cognitive function (G/TBT/N/EU/1163).
Impacted Products
Health foods, creatine supplements
What is changing?
The European Commission proposes to refuse a health claim submitted by Alzchem Trostberg GmbH that daily creatine supplementation can contribute to improved cognitive function.
Why?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA 2024) concluded that, based on the data presented, a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be established between between creatine supplementation and an improvement in cognitive function. The health claim should not be included in the Union list of permitted health claims because it does not comply with the requirements of Regulation 1924/2006.
Timeline
The Regulation is expected to be adopted in approximately the second quarter of 2026.
Recommended Actions
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are members of the WTO may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 30 November 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1163).
Background
Regulation 1924/2006 establishes that health claims made on foods have to be authorised by the European Commission and included in the Union list of permitted health claims (Regulation 432/2012). For a health claim to be authorised, EFSA must deliver an opinion on the claim concerned, which the Commission considers when making a decision.
Resources
Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods
EFSA (2024) Creatine and improvement in cognitive function: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to article 13(5) of regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 22: e9100.
Sources
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EU proposes to refuse health claim linking creatine and improved cognitive function
Draft Commission Regulation refusing to authorise a health claim made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health
Draft Annex
What is changing and why?
The European Commission intends to reject a health claim that creatine supplementation improves cognitive function. The European Food Safety Authority has concluded that a relationship cannot be established between the consumption of creatine and the effects claimed.
Actions
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are members of the World Trade Organization may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 30 November 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1163).
Timeline
The Regulation is expected to be adopted in approximately the second quarter of 2026.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.