EFSA Issues Positive Opinion on Toothfriendly Labeling

Initially EFSA declined to evaluate this claim saying the dental benefits of toothfriendly foods are not the result of an active effect of an ingredient or component.

7/5/2011 --- Toothfriendly International has announced that its article 13.1 filed claim for the Toothfriendly health claim gained positive evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Within its fifth batch of Scientific Opinions on health claims EFSA has published a favorable opinion on the “Toothfriendly” claim for foods and beverages that are demonstrably non-cariogenic and non-erosive. EFSA’s positive scientific opinion builds the basis for the continued use of the Toothfriendly quality seal, a registered trademark since 1982. The seal is coupled with the explanatory term “Toothfriendly” for use on foods which neither contain fermentable carbohydrates nor excessive amounts of food acids.

Dr. Albert Bär, the Director of Toothfriendly International is relieved to receive the backing of EFSA for the "Toothfriendly" health claim. Initially EFSA declined to evaluate this claim saying the dental benefits of toothfriendly foods are not the result of an active effect of an ingredient or component. "Evidently, EFSA has now found a clever though somewhat twisted way to resolve this problem" says Bär. In its report, EFSA makes reference to the US FDA which has accepted the "Toothfriendly" health claim in 1997.

To qualify for the "Toothfriendly" claim, foods should not lower the pH of the dental plaque below 5.7 during consumption and for up to 30 minutes after consumption. Moreover, foods containing acids should not expose the teeth to excessive amounts of acid (not more than 40 µmol H+ x min) during consumption. The tests which are required to determine compliance with these criteria are conducted in human volunteers. Three university institutes (one in Switzerland and two in Germany) are equipped to perform such tests. A fourth institute will be inaugurated in Beijing later this year. 

The "Toothfriendly" quality seal is licensed to food manufacturers for use on the label and in the promotion of their qualifying foods by Toothfriendly International, an internationally acting organisation located in Switzerland.

Leading confectionery manufacturers use the "Toothfriendly" seal for more than twenty years on product labels around the World to inform consumers about the proven dental benefits of their chewing gums, candies and chocolates.