Nutrition applications

Overview and procedure

EFSA assesses the scientific basis of nutrition The science of how diet relates to the body's need for sustenance and health claims submitted for authorisation in the EU. Work in the area of nutrition related to applications also includes the evaluation of infant formulae and food allergens. The European Commission and Member States then decide whether to grant authorisation.

In the case of health claims applications are submitted to the national competent authority of a Member State. This includes applications for authorisation of a new health claim Any practice (e.g. a statement or visual) used in food marketing to suggest that health benefits can be gained from consuming a given food, nutrient or ingredient or for the modification of an existing authorisation. The European Commission (EC) receives applications for infant formulae and food allergens.

The competent authority or the EC pass on the application and any supplementary information to EFSA, which carries out the scientific evaluation.