For the European Union, a landscape characterised for the most part by small and medium-sized enterprises, the international presence of SMEs holds considerable importance.

[3] See [http ...]

Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies in its opinion "on a request from the Commission related to a Novel Food application from Forbes Medi-Tech for approval of plant sterol-containing milk-based beverages" of 25 November 2003 concurred for that application with the conclusions of the SCF, in its opinion on applications for approval of a variety of plant sterol enriched foods of 5 March 2003, came to the conclusion that the addition of phytosterols is safe, provided that the daily consumption does not exceed 3 g.

(1) On 7 September 2000 Novartis (now Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.) made a request to the competent authorities of Belgium to place milk based beverages with added phytosterols on the market as a novel food or a novel food ingredient.

(42) See, for instance, Case IV/M.1025 - Mannesmann/Olivetti/Infostrada, paragraph 17, and Case COMP/JV.23 - Telefónica Portugal Telecom/Médi Telecom.

(42) See, for instance, Case IV/M.1025 - Mannesmann/Olivetti/Infostrada, paragraph 17, and Case COMP/JV.23 - Telefónica Portugal Telecom/Médi Telecom.