Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to meat or fish and the improvement of non-haem iron absorption (ID 1223) 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 health claims in relation to meat or fish and the improvement of non-haem iron absorption. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references which EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders. The foods that are the subject of the health claim are meat or fish. The Panel considers that meat and fish are sufficiently characterised in relation to the claimed effect. The claimed effect is “improvement of iron absorption”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings and the references provided, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to the absorption of non-haem iron. The Panel considers that the improvement of non-haem iron absorption may be a beneficial physiological effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that there is generally good agreement on the enhancing effect of meat or fish on non-haem iron absorption and that the studies provided showed that the addition of meat (from beef, pork, lamb or chicken) or fish to a meal enhances the absorption of non-haem iron from the diet. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of meat or fish and the improvement of non-haem iron absorption. The Panel considers that, in order to obtain the claimed effect, foods providing at least 50 g of meat or fish should be consumed in one serving, together with food(s) containing non-haem iron. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. The target population is the general population.