The two firms would say nothing about what sparked the sudden about-face, whilst affirming the strength of their data linking Chr Hansen’s Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 probiotic strain and allergy resistance in adults.
Chr Hansen would not comment on the withdrawal while Merck said: "Although we are convinced that the data presented were well documented to substantiate a health claim, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw our health claim submission in Europe.”
“We remain committed to investing in clinical R&D to develop innovative products that benefit consumers of food supplements. However, we will initiate constructive dialogue with EFSA to ensure that our investments in gold-standard clinical trials can be turned into meaningful health claims."
The article 13.5 claim was lodged under the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) via Merck’s French arm, Merck Médication Familiale.
At the time of submission, Chr Hansen’s director of scientific affairs in health and nutrition, Birgit Michelsen, said a verdict was expected, “during spring 2013”.