Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in combination with caffeine, and contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight (ID 1800) 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 epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in combination with caffeine, and contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight. 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 constituent that is the subject of the health claim is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in combination with caffeine. The Panel considers that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine are sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is “weight control”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight is a beneficial physiological effect. No references on the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in combination with caffeine on body weight have been provided. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in combination with caffeine, and contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight.