Following an application from Clasado Limited, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Malta, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Bimuno® GOS and reducing gastro-intestinal discomfort. The food constituent, Bimuno® GOS, a mixture of β-galacto-oligosaccharides, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect proposed by the applicant is “reduce bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain. These effects can be described collectively as abdominal discomfort” and the target population proposed by the applicant is the general adult population. Reducing gastro-intestinal discomfort is a beneficial physiological effect. A health claim on Bimuno® GOS and reducing gastro-intestinal discomfort has already been assessed by the Panel with an unfavourable outcome. The supplementary information submitted by the applicant in this application did not provide evidence that could be used for the scientific substantiation of this claim.
© European Food Safety Authority, 2013