Introductory text

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients^f1, and in particular Article 7 thereof,

Whereas:

The specification of flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. has been laid down and its placing on the market has been authorised in several foods at certain maximum use levels by Commission Implementing Decision 2011/761/EU^f2.

On 19 March 2014, the company Kaneka Pharma Europe NV made a request to the competent authorities of Belgium for extension of uses of flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. as a novel food ingredient.

On 6 August 2014, the competent food assessment body of Belgium issued its initial assessment report. In that report it came to the conclusion that the extension of uses of flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. meets the criteria for novel food set out in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 258/97.

On 22 September 2014, the Commission forwarded the initial assessment report to the other Member States.

Reasoned objections were raised within the 60 day period laid down in the first subparagraph of Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 258/97. Additional explanations by the applicant alleviated the concerns to the satisfaction of Member States and the Commission.

Commission Directive 1999/21/EC^f3 lays down requirements for dietary foods for special medical purposes. Commission Directive 96/8/EC^f4 lays down requirements on foods intended for use in energy-restricted diets for weight reduction. The use of flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra L should be authorised without prejudice to the requirements of those legislations.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: