Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to sugar-free chewing gum and reduction of dental plaque (ID 3084) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of a health claim in relation to sugar-free chewing gum and reduction of dental plaque. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders. The food that is the subject of the health claim is sugar-free chewing gum. The common characteristic of sugar-free chewing gums is the absence of fermentable carbohydrates. Although the composition of the gum base and sweetening agents is unspecified, the ingredients and the principles of the manufacturing process have been described. The Panel considers that sugar-free chewing gum is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is “reduces plaque formation”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that reduction of dental plaque may be a beneficial physiological effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account the lack of consistency between studies on the effect of chewing sugar-free gum on dental plaque, particularly with regard to those sites that are most important for dental health. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of sugar-free chewing gum and reduction of dental plaque.