EU ponders 5g omega-3 daily supplement maximum

A European Commission meeting has seen several EU member states agree a maximum omega-3 consumption level of 5g per day.

The discussion came at last month’s meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health and referred to outstanding conditions of use to permitted claims for EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

“Several delegations agreed to the clarification of the condition of use of the claims with regard to information to consumer not to exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5g of DHA and EPA combined, as proposed by two delegations in order to reflect more accurately EFSA's scientific advice,” a meeting note said.

DHA and EPA have won brain and heart health claims in the EU.

The relevant claims will be voted on in a meeting of the Standing Committee of February 4, an EC spokesperson said.