9 February 2007 - In 2006, beverage producer PPN SA launched a non-alcoholic digestive drink claiming it can reduce the side-effects of drinking excesses, called “Security Feel Better”. However, as a principle of precaution, the French anti-fraud body DGCCRF decided to ban the sale of the product on the market on 25 February 2006, for a maximum duration of 1 year.
On 17 May 2006, the ministerial decree was judged as illegal and PPN SA was allowed to commercialize “Security Feel Better” in France again. Meanwhile, French food safety agency AFSSA confirmed that “Security Feel Better” was proper for human consumption.
In a statement issued earlier this week, DGCCRF said that it will monitor the commercialization of “Security Feel Better” very closely and will pay particular attention to the product’s labelling and its conformity to AFSSA’s advice. The DGCCRF will also examine PPN’s use of advertisement.
According to the PPN’s website, 6 years of intensive research were necessary to elaborate “Security Feel Better”, which is made from plant extracts. The beverage is pear-flavoured and is easy to serve. According to the company a 30 ml bottle will provide the required effects which can be felt after only 30 to 40 minutes. Furthermore, the beverage eases the side-effects of drinking excesses.
A statement on the website does however say “The digestion of food and drinks is different for each individual. Therefore, the optimal result cannot be guaranteed. The excess of alcohol may heavily damage your health.”
The company goes on to say that “Security Feel Better” has been launched in several other countries including Germany, Spain, Russia, Norway and Bulgaria.