Food and supplement clinical trials on the menu at UCC Symposium
UCC Symposium offers food for thought on conducting human dietary interventions
UCC Symposium offers food for thought on conducting human dietary interventions
The catalyst behind the Symposium is an increasing appetite for validation of the health claims that often accompany functional foods. The opportunity for those working in the food, beverage and supplement industry to increase their awareness of this demand is timely, amidst increasing regulation from agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Symposium will also appeal to academic researchers and state agencies. It will address the essential ingredients required in conducting clinical trials, including study design, regulatory requirements, subject recruitment and cost. Examples of studies in cognitive function and the elderly will also be reviewed, providing an in-depth understanding of how to conduct trials in these and other populations.
Professor Patrick Wall, former Chair of the EFSA, will provide an overview of the EFSA process, from submitting a health claim dossier through to the panel evaluation and final opinion. Dr Edel Keaveney, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, will outline EU developments on nutrition and health claims, and review the current register of claims, including permitted versus rejected claims, flexibility in relation to wording and conditions of use.
Case studies will be presented by Irish and international companies who have conducted trials, and in some cases have had a positive EFSA opinion, including Alimentary Health Ltd, Danisco Health and Nutrition, General Mills and Provexis plc. An overview of supports available to small and medium enterprises from Enterprise Ireland, University College Cork, Teagasc and Atlantia Food Clinical Research Organisation, will also be outlined.
The Symposium is organised by University College Cork (UCC) in partnership with the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Eldermet, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantia Food CRO, Teagasc and The Food Industry Training Unit, UCC.
For programme and registration details see: http://www.ucc.ie/research/apc/content/foodsymposium
For further information, please contact Ms Mary McCarthy-Buckley, Food Industry Training Unit at UCC. Tel: 021 4903363; Mob: 086 8252210; email: m.mccarthybuckley@ucc.ie