From 20 July 2016, Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (or the Food for Specific Groups Regulation) will repeal and replace Directive 2009/39/EC on foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS).
The change in regulation allows for products labelled before 20 July 2016 that comply with the previous directive to remain on the market until these stocks are exhausted. Foods not covered by the new regulation will fall under other general food law, such as the Food Information to the Consumer (FIC) legislation.
The most significant change in the new regulation is to abolish the concept of "dietetic foods" and close the legal loopholes associated with it. It also aims to resolve problems of differing interpretation with the PARNUTS directive across various EU member states.
It is also aimed at providing a more careful framework for the provision of foods deemed essential for certain vulnerable groups of the population, such as infants, pregnant women, and people on special medical diets.
It is hoped that the new legislation will simplify some of the uncertainties of PARNUTS and close the possibility of marketing abuse or distortion of competition.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Cóil
