Nutrition and health claims are used by food businesses when they want to highlight particular beneficial effects of their food products, in relation to health and nutrition, on the product label or in its advertising.
Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims on food came into effect on 1st July 2007. It covers all foods including foods for specific groups (FSGs), natural mineral waters, water intended for human consumption and food supplements.
The Regulation applies to nutrition and health claims made in commercial communications (whether in the labelling, presentation or advertising) of the food to be delivered to the final consumer, including health professionals.
It includes foods:
- placed on the market unpacked or supplied in bulk;
- intended for supply to restaurants, hospitals, schools, canteens and similar mass caterers.
The Regulation does not apply to claims made in non-commercial communications such as:
- dietary guidelines;
- advice issued by public health authorities and bodies;
- information in the press and in scientific publications.
To make a nutrition or health claim about your food, you need to know the rules for making a claim. Access advice on when health and nutrition claims can be used.
See information on what claims can be used.
When wording health claims on pack, food businesses should keep as close as possible to the authorised wording listed in the EU register. See more information on wording of health claims.
The FSAI provides scientific recommendations on public health nutrition to the Department of Health on areas such as healthy eating for:
- specific age groups;
- infant feeding;
- vitamins and minerals; and
- food product reformulation.
More Information
Go to the top ⇧.