The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has agreed that the wording 'xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children' reflects the scientific evidence for caries reduction.

Following an application from the LEAF company of Finland, who manufacture chewing gum, the Panel was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to xylitol chewing gum/pastilles and reduction of the risk of tooth decay. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to disease risk reduction.

After considering the high number of studies, subjects and observation years presented, as well as the consistency of the results and the magnitude of the effect, the Panel considered that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol and the reduction of the risk of tooth decay in children.

The scientific justification of the claim is related to the consumption of 2-3 g of chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol at least three times per day after meals. This quantity of chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol can easily be consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Full details are published in the EFSA Journal (2008) 852, 1–2, publication date 14 November 2008.