EFSA Opens Public Consultation on Fluoride Reference Values

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) Panel on Dietetic Products,
Nutrition and Allergies (NDA Panel) has initiated a public consultation on
the draft scientific opinion on dietary reference values for fluoride. Citing
evidence that supports fluoride’s role in the prevention of dental caries, the
NDA Panel set the adequate intake (AI) for all sources, including non-dietary
ones, based on “estimates of mean fluoride intakes of children via diet and
drinking water with fluoride concentrations at which the caries preventative
effect approached its maximum whilst the risk of dental fluorosis approached
its minimum.”

To this end, the panel set the AI of fluoride from all sources at 0.05 mg/kg
body weight per day for both children and adults, including pregnant and
lactating women. EFSA will accept comments on the proposed reference
values until June 13, 2013.