The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published scientific and technical guidance to help the European Commission apply new rules regarding foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs). In a FAQ post on its website, the EFSA gave some background on why the rules were established and how they will be applied.
According to the EFSA, “FSMPs are designed to feed patients who, because of a particular disease, disorder or medical condition, have nutritional needs that cannot be met by consuming standard foodstuffs.” They are intended for patients who have issues receiving nutrients from ordinary foods and should be used only under medical supervision; as such, these products must carry labeling information about their intended use.
The new regulation, which will come into effect in July 2016, applies to FSMPs, infant formula and follow-on formulae, processed cereal-based foods and baby foods, and total diet replacements for weight control. It replaces previous legislation regarding products known as “food for particular nutritional uses.”
