EFSA Renders Positive Opinion on Choline Health Claims in the European Union

The dossiers submitted by Balchem, in support of these claims, were deemed sufficient for substantiation by EFSA. This positive recommendation is now subject to formal approval by the European Union expected in the coming months.

5/5/2011 --- On April 8, 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), through its Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies, issued a scientific opinion on Balchem’s proposed Article 13 general health claims, supporting the benefits of the nutrient Choline.  The report concluded that Choline is an important dietary component that contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function, normal metabolism of lipids and homocysteine. The dossiers submitted by Balchem, in support of these claims, were deemed sufficient for substantiation by EFSA. This positive recommendation is now subject to formal approval by the European Union expected in the coming months.

“This EFSA announcement further establishes Choline as an important nutrient providing many physiological benefits effective for the general population. It also builds upon the worldwide recognition that Choline is advantageous for normal fetal and infant development.  It is simply Essential for Every BodySM,” said Dr. Kristine Lukasik Manager of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at Balchem.

“Furthermore we are excited about the timeliness of these announcements,” said Cheryl Pasiut, Business Director Nutrients.  “In parallel with our dossier submissions, we have completed the necessary capital investments, to our Choline manufacturing facility in Marano Italy, in support of the anticipated increase in consumer demand for supplement and food products containing Vitacholine.”

Balchem Corporation consists of three business segments: ARC Specialty Products; Food, Pharma & Nutrition; and Animal Nutrition & Health. Through ARC Specialty Products, Balchem provides specialty-packaged chemicals for use in healthcare and other industries. The Food, Pharma & Nutrition segment provides proprietary microencapsulation solutions to a variety of applications in the human food, pharmaceutical and nutrition marketplaces. The Animal Nutrition & Health segment manufactures and supplies products to numerous animal health markets and certain derivative products into industrial applications.