EFSA Health Claims and Regulation Top The Agenda at the Vitafoods Europe Conference

11 Mar 2013 --- The Vitafoods Europe Conference is back, addressing the most talked about trends and topics affecting the nutraceutical industry – from EFSA health claims and regulation and gut health to brain and mind health, personalised nutrition, ingredients from nature and more.

The peer-reviewed conference is the only one of its kind providing an international focus, as well as never-seen-before papers, clinical trials and consumer research to help delegates drive new product innovation.

For the first time, EFSA opens the Vitafoods Europe Conference, debating the controversial Article 13 health claims that were introduced last year. Professor Ambroise Martin, Chair NDA Panel, EFSA Health Claims, looks beyond the biased perception of the claims and advises how to open up the dialogue with EFSA. Following this, Professor Paul Clayton, himself outspoken about EFSA regulation and its impact on the industry, will take questions from the audience to spark an animated discussion on this contentious issue.
 
Vitafoods Europe has an established reputation for being at the forefront of the nutraceutical industry. Now in its 16th year, it provides a meeting place for professionals to engage in high level debates.
 
Participating for the first time, Professor Martin comments: "It is crucial for me to have the opportunity to attend important events in the field such as Vitafoods Europe in order, not only to continue to explain the rationale behind our opinions (there are indeed no magic recipes), but also to gain feedback from all interested parties. The huge mass of previous generic lists and the rejection of many of the first applications should not mask that the future is still largely open for good science."
 
Regulation, however, does not stop at EFSA. Delegates can also gain exclusive advice on other aspects of health claims and regulation. Beatrice Moreau, Head of European Office, Registrar Corp offers her tips on overcoming common mistakes associated with the new FDA Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA). Improving food quality is on the agenda as Antonio Del Casale, CEO, Microbion looks at the central role of molecular taxonomy in industrial biotechnology.
 
The Vitafoods Europe Conference is shaped by major growth drivers, which in addition to regulation, this year include brain and mind health and gut health.
 
From early years to old age, food and drink products that aid cognitive function hold huge potential. One big trend is childhood development, and as such Professor Alex Richardson, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Evidence Based Intervention’s presentation investigates the current evidence linking relative deficiencies of omega-3 DHA to childhood behaviour and learning difficulties.
 
During the gut health session, delegates get a first look at research into what consumers really think, as well as hear about promising ingredient innovations. Second generation prebiotics, anthocyanes and synbiotic supplements are all up for discussion as experts delve into gut health to uncover potential opportunities for product development.
 
“The nutraceutical industry faces multiple challenges,” comments Chris Lee, Vitafoods Portfolio Director. “While demand from consumers for functional food and drinks is still positive, the economic recession and concerns over regulation are causing a degree of anxiety. The market is also constantly evolving, sometimes making it difficult to decipher where fads end and true opportunities lie. The Vitafoods Europe Conference covers the latest scientific thinking helping delegates identify potential growth areas to spur innovation and new product development. This year’s conference has more new speakers than ever before and the lively programme is expected to generate a real buzz as the industry’s hottest topics are debated.”
 
To view the full conference programme visit www.vitafoods.eu.com/confbook. Early bird rates apply to places booked before 12 April.