Intertek provides Assurance Services for Health Claim Approval Process
06 Jul 2016
Health Canada approves health claim for foods containing EPA and DHA on the reduction of blood triglyceride levels
Mississauga, ON – Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, announces its role in the approval of a health claim for Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and the Fisheries Council of Canada related to the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and their effects on lowering blood triglyceride levels.
Recently, the Food Directorate, Health Canada, announced their assessment and approval of this claim (www.hc.sc.gc.ca). This permits the use of the health claim on most foods that contain at least 0.5 g of EPA and DHA, combined, per reference amount and serving size (with the exception of fish that are high in mercury); this amount is one-third of the amount that Health Canada found to effectively reduce triglyceride levels. Intertek delivered the quality assurance services required for the analysis of complex data and dossier preparation, leading to a successful approval.
The potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acid consumption on various health outcomes have been of interest to food companies worldwide. In various jurisdictions around the world, health claims related to the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have been evaluated, including the U.S., Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. Dr. Kathy Musa-Veloso, Director of Health Claims at Intertek states “These ingredients have been extensively researched over the last several decades, particularly with regards to their effects on blood triglyceride levels. Health Canada requires high quality data from robust studies for health claims substantiation. We are incredibly pleased with their decision, and we look forward to assisting other clients with future health claim applications in Canada and in other countries globally.”
To learn more about Intertek’s health claims submissions and substantiation services, visit: https://www.intertek.com/food/consulting/health-claims/.
To learn more about the services offered by our experts, and within the larger Intertek organisation, please visit: https://www.intertek.com/food/consulting/.
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 40,000 people in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains.
Bringing quality and safety to life
Contacts:
For Media Inquiries:
Tracy Veale
Global Marketing Manager
Health, Environmental and Regulatory Services (HERS)
Intertek Life Sciences
Tel.: +1 905 542-2900
Email: tracy.veale@intertek.com
For Market Inquiries:
Dr. Kathy Musa-Veloso
Director, Health Claims
Food & Nutrition Group
Intertek Scientific & Regulatory Consultancy
Tel.: +1 905 542-2900
Email: kathy.musa-veloso@intertek.com