Prunes Pick Up EFSA Digestive Health Claim

EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA) approved of a health claim for prunes and healthy bowel function last week. The EU’s expert panel suggests consumption of 100 g of dried plums (prunes) daily for the desired effect.

The EU nutrition authority reached its conclusion after reviewing newly prepared scientific data and data previously submitted when the same health claim was denied in 2010.  Human intervention studies suggest that prune components can increase fecal weight, induce a laxative effect, and improve stool consistency

EFSA’s NDA Panel suggests the following wording for the claim: “Dried plums/prunes can contribute to normal bowel function.”

The California Prune Board says it invested in five years of scientific research to achieve the claim.