Rejection of health claim on ham and LDL-cholesterol
- Health claims
Summary
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it intends to refuse a health claim submitted by Cárnicas Joselito S.A. that Joselito® ham has an effect on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure (G/TBT/N/EU/1114).
EU proposes to refuse health claim for consumption of Joselito® ham and reduction of blood LDL-cholesterol
Draft Commission Regulation refusing to authorise a health claim made on foods and referring to the reduction of disease risk
Update
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it intends to refuse a health claim submitted by Cárnicas Joselito S.A. that Joselito® ham has an effect on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure (G/TBT/N/EU/1114).
Impacted Products
Health foods
What is changing?
The European Commission proposes to refuse a health claim from Cárnicas Joselito S.A. that Joselito® ham has an effect on the reduction LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure.
Why?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA 2024) concluded that, based on the data presented, a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be established between the consumption of Joselito® ham and the reduction of blood LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure. 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 fourth quarter of 2025.
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 12 May 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1114).
Background
Regulation 1924/2006 prohibits health claims made on foods unless they are authorised by the Commission and, supported by a favourable EFSA opinion, are included in the Union list of permitted health claims (Regulation 432/2012).
Resources
Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods
Regulation 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health
EFSA (2024) Joselito® and lowering of LDL-cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, and reduction of coronary heart disease risk: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 22(7): e8862.
Sources
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EU proposes to refuse health claim for consumption of Joselito® ham and reduction of blood LDL-cholesterol
Draft Commission Regulation refusing to authorise a health claim made on foods and referring to the reduction of disease risk
What is changing and why?
The European Commission intends to reject a health claim that Joselito® ham has an effect on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure. The European Food Safety Authority has concluded that a relationship cannot be established between the consumption of this ham 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 12 May 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1114).
Timeline
The Regulation is expected to be adopted in approximately the fourth quarter of 2025.
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.