EFSA approve new Caries Reduction claim for Xylitol Chewing Gum

EFSA have approved a very strong ‘Xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children’ claim.

This claim reinforces the unique dental benefits of Xylitol as it specifically relates to a disease risk reduction.  This type of claim is only approved for products and ingredients with a wealth of scientific studies which corroborate the proposed effect.  EFSA have included the claim in Article 14 of the regulation which is one of the strongest categories supported by such regulations.  Currently, all sugar free chewing gum can carry the claim ‘Does not promote tooth decay’ irrespective of which polyol is used in the formulation.  This new regulation from EFSA provides a unique stronger claim for 100% Xylitol chewing gum.

In 2006 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) proposed a new regulation which would harmonise nutrition and health claims across the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006).  In order to be included within the framework of this regulation scientific substantiation of the product/ingredient is paramount. Food ingredient and food manufacturing companies have submitted claims and supporting data for inclusion in the regulation.  This data is assessed by an expert panel that then form an opinion, which is documented and published.

EFSA published their scientific opinion on health claims related to xylitol in chewing gum on 30th October 2008

• The Panel on Dietetic products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion based on the scientific substantiation for a health claim related to the reduction of the risk of tooth decay. A very strict evidential criteria was applied.
• The panel considered ‘that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol and the reduction of the risk of tooth decay in children’
• Scientific justification is related to consumption of 2-3g of chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol at least three times per day after meals
• The following wording reflects the scientific evidence:

‘Xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children’