ESSNA urges sports nutrition exemption from EU labelling laws

By Will Chu

- Last updated on GMT

ESSNA urges sports nutrition exemption from EU labelling laws
The European Parliament’s moves to introduce nutrient profiles and front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) should not affect sports nutrition products, says the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA).

Commenting on last week’s vote​, the industry group urges policymakers to take into account the sector’s specificities and sportspeople’s nutritional needs or risk, “disproportionately affecting the industry and posing a barrier to promoting nutrition education.”

“It is important that policymakers are aware that food intended for sportspeople cannot be treated as generalist food,”​ explains ESSNA Chair Dr Adam Carey.

“It is purposefully formulated with higher levels of certain nutrients (usually sodium or carbohydrates) to cater for the specific needs of people engaged in high-intensity exercise and other forms of activity.”

Dr Carey, ESSNA’s Chair since 2003, refers to paragraph 94 of the European Commission’s own non-legally binding ‘Farm to Fork Strategy’ report​ that states FOPNL legislation be developed “based on independent scientific evidence and demonstrated consumer understanding, taking into account specialist foods as well as the additional burden for food operators and unions.”

One size fits all

He goes on to warn the setting of nutrient profiles on sports food and a “a “one size fits all” approach of FOPNL could mean special compositional characteristics of food intended for sportspeople are not adequately communicated.

The risk here is that sports nutrition products will not be allowed to bear health claims, depriving consumers of valuable information regarding the benefits of these products.

So, for example sports nutrition products that are often high in protein have been linked to health benefits of which, such as maintenance of normal bones.

Under the terms set out for nutrient profiling, consumers would not be made aware of this health benefit as these products would be prevented from bearing this health claim.

Another example refers to a Scientific Opinion​​​ made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in which carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions were able to reduce perceived exertion/effort during exercise, enhancement of water absorption during exercise, and maintenance of endurance performance.

“As a result of the industry’s successful consumer information campaign, today sports nutrition consumers know what they are looking for and they are able to make informed choices,”​ Dr Carey adds.

“The nutrient profiles and FOPNL regulations could potentially enormously set back the work that the industry does to improve consumers’ understanding of and access to education on specialist food products.”

Some element of specificity

ESSNA’s concerns appear to be supported by a 2016 report​​ produced by the Commission intended for the European Parliament and the Council.

Here, the Commission states that sports food may include “some element of specificity,”​ and that “this may have to be taken into account by the Commission in the application and implementation of the horizontal rules, so that such specificities can be adequately addressed.”

Last week, the European Parliament voted in favour of setting mandatory nutrient profiles and FOPNL, to restrict the promotion of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS).

The vote was in accordance to proposals put forward by the European Commission as part of its ‘Farm to Fork Strategy’ designed to promote a fairer, healthier and environmentally friendlier food system.

Following the Parliament’s vote, the EU will begin the process of introducing the nutrient profiles and FOPNL regulations.

ESSNA adds it will, “continue to work constructively with policy makers to ensure the specificities of sports and active nutrition will be taken into account in the new legislation.”

Related topics Markets & trends Sports nutrition

Related news

Related products

show more

Sports Nutrition Formulations Re-imagined

Sports Nutrition Formulations Re-imagined

Content provided by Gencor | 30-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Gencor offers scientifically proven sports nutrition solutions intentionally designed for optimal performance and recovery for any level of athletic activity,...

LocVita® Natural Vitamin E Acetate 950IU Beadlets

LocVita® Natural Vitamin E Acetate 950IU Beadlets

Content provided by INNOBIO Corporation Limited | 20-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Incorporating double-layer encapsulation technology, LocVita® Natural Vitamin E Acetate 950IU Beadlets demonstrate improved stability and pressure resistance.

Robuvit® Supports Sports Performance and Energy

Robuvit® Supports Sports Performance and Energy

Content provided by Horphag Research | 11-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Physical exercise is a vital component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet plays a significant role for those who want to stay fit or want...

Supporting Women at Every Stage of Life

Supporting Women at Every Stage of Life

Content provided by Gencor | 02-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Comprehending and addressing women’s health across all stages of life is comparable to opening Pandora’s box; however, dietary supplements can play an...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars