March 24, 2005 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today has again announced a delay regarding the petition for a qualified health claim (QHC) entitled "Green Tea and Reduced Risk of Cancer".  The new proposed decision date is April 29, 2005. 

The short memorandum read:

"This communication is to inform you that the decision on your petition for a qualified health claim regarding green tea and reduced risk of cancer (Docket No. 2004Q-0083) will not be announced tomorrow March 25, 2005.  Notification of the agency's determination will instead be issued on April 29, 2005.  As always, you may contact the division or the office if you have any questions."

The proposed claim would read:

“Daily consumption of 40 ounces of typical green tea containing 710 μg/ml natural (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. There is scientific evidence supporting this health claim although the evidence is not conclusive.”