Approved health claim for green kiwi is European first

Green kiwi is the first fresh fruit to receive the European Commission’s approval for a health claim. Kiwi marketer Zespri speaks of a “milestone”, after more than 15 years of research.

“Contributes to normal bowel function”

“Consumption of green kiwifruit contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency”: this health claim has just received approval from the European Commission. This makes the green kiwi the first fresh fruit ever to carry such an authorised health claim. For Zespri, which has spent more than fifteen years documenting the benefits of green kiwis, this marks a breakthrough.

The approval follows the kiwi brand’s submission of an extensive scientific dossier in 2018. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave a positive scientific opinion in 2021, which has now led to the Commission’s formal approval. “This milestone is not only a first for Zespri but for the entire fresh produce industry”, CEO Jason Te Brake says. The brand will begin integrating the health claim into its communications from now on.