Response to comments on the Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to carbohydrate solutions and maintenance of physical performance during endurance exercise pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to address the scientific comments received on the Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to carbohydrate solutions and maintenance of physical performance during endurance exercise pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Comments submitted to EFSA via the European Commission Services originated from the applicant (British Specialist Nutrition Association Ltd). The comments received were related to the comparative health claim, the scientific assessment of the meta-analyses, and the outcome measures. EFSA has reviewed the scientific comments and shared them with the chair of the NDA Panel and the chair of the NDA Working Group on Claims. In its opinion adopted on 18 September 2014, the NDA Panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of carbohydrate solutions and maintenance of physical performance during endurance exercise. The comments received do not require any change to the conclusions of the NDA Panel.