Flavonoids in cocoa
Everyone likes chocolate, but it doesn’t necessarily contribute to health, or does it?
Cocoa contains a high proportion of flavanols, a subgroup of naturally occurring polyphenols. Polyphenols are also found in other foods such as tea, wine or fruits. They are attributed positive effects on human health due to their prominent antioxidant properties.
In September 2013, the health claim „Cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, which contributes to normal blood flow“ was approved. The use of this claim was initially only allowed to the applicant company “Barry Callebaut Belgium NV” for five years. Since 2018, however, the use for cocoa drinks (with cocoa powder) and dark chocolate is generally permitted.
For the claim to be used, the following conditions must be met:
• The food must provide at least a daily intake of 200 mg of cocoa flavanols with a degree of polymerization of 1-10, and
• consumers must be informed that the beneficial effect is achieved at a daily intake of 200 mg of cocoa flavanols.
QSI has established a method for determining the content of flavonoids in foods containing cocoa and thus the basis for the use of this health claim for your product. We are also happy to help you interpret the result in relation to the requirements for the correct use of the health claim or carry out a complete declaration check of your product label.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for a quotation – we look forward to actively support your company!
If you have any questions or special requirements regarding the scope we will be happy to advise you.
Email: info.qsi@tentamus.com
+49 (0) 421-596607-0
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