The European Commission recognized its effects on intestinal function on July 30.
It may have escaped you but the information deserves to be shared since it is quite rare. For the first time, the European Commission recognizes the health benefits of a fresh fruit, therefore authorizing its manufacturers to highlight them directly on their product. You could soon see a label “good for the intestines”, “anti-confirmation” or “good for transit” on this fruit available in all supermarkets.
As the European Commission explains in the execution regulations published on July 30, 2025, the consumption of this fruit “contributes to a normal intestinal function by increasing the frequency of the stool”. It was the flagship manufacturer of the fruit, the Zespri company, which requested official recognition of its intestinal effects. “The allegation initially proposed by the applicant was denominated as follows:” regular consumption contributes to gastrointestinal comfort “or” regular consumption reduces gastrointestinal discomfort “. In agreement with the applicant, the authority has modified the label of the allegation assessed as follows:” Regular consumption maintains a normal defecation ” specifies the commission.
The fruit in question? “Actinidia deliciosa” better known as “green kiwi”. In 2018, Zespri filed a file comprising 18 clinical studies on the effects of green kiwi on intestinal function. Among them, 6 were deemed particularly robust by EFSA to serve as a scientific basis for the attribution of health allegation. These six studies focused exclusively on the fresh green kiwi of the “Hayward” variety consumed at a rate of 2 to 4 kiwis per day. EFSA believes that to promote transit, you have to consume two big green kiwis, about 200 g of kiwi flesh.
Recognition of health allegations by the European Commission has existed since 2006. The first positive list of health claims – mainly concerning nutrients such as vitamins or minerals – was adopted in 2012. On this list, it could be found for example that rye fibers contribute to normal intestinal transit, that proteins increase muscle mass, that vitamin Participates in a normal muscular function and the maintenance of a normal framework. From now on, the green kiwi is part of this list. An alternative to the traditional prune that people with chronic constipation will certainly appreciate.
