What is the
Health Claims Regulation?
The Health Claims Regulation plays a central role in the world of food supplements and functional foods. But what exactly does this term mean and what significance does it have for consumers and food manufacturers? In this article, we would like to take a closer look at the Health Claims Regulation and explain its impact on the market for food supplements.
What is the Health Claims Regulation?
The Health Claims Regulation, officially known as Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, regulates the use of health claims on food packaging, advertising and labels. Its main objective is to ensure that consumers are protected from misleading or false information about the health benefits of food.
Objectives of the regulation: to protect consumers and promote fair competition
The Health Claims Regulation has several objectives. One of the most important is to protect consumers from misleading or false claims about the health benefits of foods. By strictly regulating the use of health claims and only allowing those that are scientifically substantiated and verifiable, the regulation aims to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions about their diet.
In addition, the Health Claims Regulation aims to promote fair competition in the market for food supplements.
Health claims and authorization procedure
According to the Health Claims Regulation, health claims used on food packaging, in advertising or on labels must have been reviewed and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The EFSA evaluates the scientific evidence for the claimed health benefits and only approves the claims if they meet the strict requirements of the regulation. The list of already approved health claims can be found in Regulation 432/2012. It can be seen from this that many claims are formulated as a contribution to the "normal function" of a bodily function. This means that any advertising of an improvement (e.g. "more beautiful skin") can be objected to accordingly, as an improvement goes beyond the maintenance of normal function and thus the meaning of the health claim. Care must therefore be taken with the wording!
Impact on the market for dietary supplements
The Health Claims Regulation has a significant impact on the market for food supplements. Manufacturers must ensure that the health claims on their products comply with the requirements of the regulation in order to avoid legal problems and maintain consumer confidence. Authorized health claims are based on extensive scientific data demonstrating the health benefits.
We support you!
The Health Claims Regulation is an important regulatory provision in the food industry. It aims to protect consumers from misleading or false claims about the health benefits of food and to promote fair competition in the market. By establishing clear rules and guidelines, the regulation helps to ensure that consumers can make informed choices about their diet and that manufacturers develop and market products with proven health benefits.
While we work together on your new product, we are of course always available to answer any questions you may have about health claims!
