Report of the regional expert consultation of the Asia-Pacific network for food and nutrition on functional foods and their implications in the daily diet

An account of the consultation at the FAO regional office in Bangkok from 16 to 19 November 2004, attended by 21 nutrition experts from ten member countries. The term "functional foods" is not well understood and its usage varies greatly among countries. The generally accepted understanding is that functional foods provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Identification of functional foods is at very different stages in the region and it is time for the region to have an agreed technical definition for functional foods and appropriate methodologies for scientific substantiation of health claims. Appropriate regulatory mechanisms to ensure safety and efficacy of the products are also needed. Such mechanisms and regulations would be beneficial not only for the industry, but to instill greater consumer confidence in functional foods. The consultation deliberated on various aspects of functional foods, especially nutritional considerations, with the aim of promoting the improved nut ritional status and health of the population, in Asia in particular.