04/2022 - NEW RULES on THE CONTENT & LABELLING of GREEN TEA CATECHINS

The European Food Safety authority issued a scientific opinion in 2018 highlighting that green tea (Camellia  sinensis) catechines taken as a food supplement could lead to liver toxicity.

What is changing?

The concern is attributed to catechins, and in particular epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (abbreviated as EGCG), commonly found in green tea extracts.

As a result, the European Commission has drafted a regulation that would restrict the intake of EGCG to a maximum of 800 mg per day.

In addition to limiting the consumption of EGCG, there are certain warnings being proposed for the labels of catechins-containing products, namely:

-   Should not be consumed if you are already consuming other products containing green tea. 

-   Should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women, children below 18 years old.

-   Should not be consumed under fasting conditions.

This new legislation will amend Annex III to Regulation (EC) 1925/2006 and will be applicable to foods, beverages and food supplements.

What are the consequences?

Companies will need to ensure that their recommended daily portions do not exceed the legal limit set on EGCG and to label their products in accordance with the applicable warnings. The latest draft proposal includes a sell-out period, allowing products that were placed on the market before the date of application of the Regulation to remain on the market for 6 months. After the 6 months, non-compliant products will need to be withdrawn from the market 

Are you ready? 

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further information or if you want to understand how to implement these changes within your business.