Despite of the resolution opposing the plan to allow producers to claim that adding the fatty acid DHA to baby food "contributes to the normal visual developments of infants up to 12 months of age" did not achieve the necessary qualified majority of votes (388), the authorisation of the health claim can go ahead.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave a favorable opinion on the application, and the European Commission proposed to add the health claim "DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age" to the list of permitted claims.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a fatty acid naturally occurring in breast milk. Many baby milk formulas include it as a synthetic additive. Manufacturers applied for permission to make the health claim for DHA added to baby food.

A strict procedure must be followed to authorise a health claim, including its addition to the Annex of the "Regulation on nutrition and health claims". Parliament and Council may block such implementing measures under the "regulatory procedure with scrutiny". EFSA is responsible for assessing applications by food business operators and evaluates claims on the basis of "generally accepted scientific evidence". The regulation on the authorisation of the health claim would enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.