EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to dried plums of „prune‟ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function (ID 1164, further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13.1 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in the framework of further assessment related to plums of ‘prune’ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function.

The food that is the subject of the claim, prunes (dried plums of ‘prune’ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.)) is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, maintenance of normal bowel function, is a beneficial physiological effect. The proposed target population is the general population. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that two human intervention studies showed an effect of dried plums on bowel function, that one study with considerable limitations showed an effect of dried plums on stool consistency, but not on other measures of bowel function, that another study with considerable limitations did not show an effect of dried plums on bowel function when compared to dried apple, and that there is good evidence for plausible mechanisms by which some components of prunes may contribute to the claimed effect.

On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of dried plums of ‘prune’ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function. In order to obtain the claimed effect, about 100 g of dried plums (prunes) should be consumed daily.

The target population is the general population.