Joselito® and lowering of LDL-cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, and reduction of coronary heart disease risk: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

AbstractFollowing an application from Cárnicas Joselito S.A. pursuant to Article 14 ofRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Spain, the Panel onNutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinionon the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to ‘Joselito ham increasesantioxidant substances in the body, reduces blood pressure and plasma triglycerides,decreases oxidative stress and prevents effect in diseases related to the cardiovascularand intestinal systems’. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under ahealth claim referring to disease risk reduction. The food constituent that is thesubject of the health claim is Joselito, an Iberian ham characterised by a high con-tent of oleic acid. The Panel considers that the food is sufficiently characterised.The Panel considers that lowering of LDL-cholesterol concentration and bloodpressure is a beneficial effect by decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease.Upon a request from EFSA, the applicant identified one human intervention studyas being pertinent to the claim. However, due to methodological limitations, thePanel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from this study for the scientificsubstantiation of the claim. The Panel notes that no human intervention studiesfrom which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of theclaim were provided by the applicant. The Panel concludes that a cause and effectrelationship has not been established between the intake of Joselito® ham and thereduction of LDL-cholesterol concentration or blood pressure.