Implementation of the Regulation for Foods for Special Groups: SNE looks forward to the smooth adoption of the draft Delegated acts discussed during the last Commission Advisory group

Brussels, 27 February 2015: Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) attended the Advisory Group meeting organised by the European Commission on 17 February, to exchange views with other stakeholders on the Draft Delegated acts on Infant formulae and follow-on formulae, Food for Special Medical purposes and Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods.

Acknowledging the very specific nutritional needs of the population groups for whom these foods are intended, SNE strongly supports the establishment of specific EU rules to ensure a high level of quality and safety for these foods.

Following ongoing discussions with Member States since September 2013, SNE welcomes these three draft Delegated acts, which have been the result of an in-depth consultative process and have been scientifically substantiated by the European Food Safety Authority in two different opinions related to foods for infants and young children (October 2013 and July 2014).

SNE members welcome the EFSA’s scientific update on the compositional criteria of infant and follow-on formulae and are already working on these adaptations, noting that the changes will entail significant time in order to assess the safety, compliance and high quality of these specific products.

Research and innovation remains a key priority for the European specialised nutrition industry and it is essential that manufacturers are able to properly communicate on the specificities of the products.

In parallel with the Delegated Acts process, SNE continues to advocate for the establishment of specific regulatory measures on young-child formulae, and was pleased to note that the majority of participants at the Advisory Group also support this option. Specific EU rules, under the scope of the Regulation on Foods for Specific Groups, will ensure that these foods continue to meet the very specific nutritional and safety needs of young children aged 1-3 years.

SNE has provided the Commission with written comments on the draft Delegated Acts as requested during the Advisory group meeting and now looks forward to a smooth adoption process which will confirm the EU’s leadership role in ensuring the highest safety and quality standards in the world for these products.

Notes to editors:

• Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) is the EU association representing the interests of the specialised nutrition industry across the European Union. SNE members are the national associations of 16 Member States and their members are the companies producing tailor made dietary solutions for populations with very specific nutritional needs including infants and young children, individuals under medical supervision, sportsmen, overweight and obese consumers, and those suffering from coeliac disease.

• On 20 July 2016, Directive 2009/39/EC, also known as “PARNUTs” Directive, will be repealed with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 609/2013 on Foods for Specific Groups (FSG).

• According to Article 11(1) of the FSG Regulation, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts on infant formulae/ follow-on formulae, food for special medical purposes and processed cereal-based foods and baby foods (by 20 July 2015). These draft Commission delegated regulations were discussed during the Commission Advisory group meeting on 17 February.

• According to Article 12 of the FSG Regulation, the Commission shall present a report on the necessity, if any, of special provisions for milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children (by 20 July 2015). A new option (Option 4: non-legislative measures) was presenting by the Commission in advance of the Commission Advisory group meeting on 17 February. This option was discussed but was not considered as an appropriate one.