So-called health claims are nutrition- & health-related claims. They either refer to relationships between a food and one of its ingredients, or refer to a nutritional claim, for example "rich in omega-3 fatty acids". They are mostly used in advertising.
To ensure consumer protection, health claims are regulated by EU-Regulation 1924/2007 geregelt.
Differences of health claims
In general, two types of health claims can be distinguished.
On the one hand, there are statements about the importance and possible effects about the nutrient with regard to the growth and developments of body functions and their physiological functions. This could be, for example, the following statement: "Iron has a function in cell division".
On the other hand, statements may be made if a nutrient indicates a reduction in disease risk. This could be, for example, the following claim: "An adequate calcium intake may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis".
Under what conditions are health claims approved?
Health claims are approved by the European Commission if they are based on generally accepted scientific evidence and are correctly understood by consumers.
The positive list was drawn up on the basis of various proposals from the member states and reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, they were approved by the EU Commission.
Which regulations from the EU Regulation 1924/2007 apply to food manufacturers?
EU Regulation 1924/2007 has been in force since July 1, 2007. According to this regulation, food manufacturers may only use health claims if they are on the EU's positive list and comply with a specific nutritional profile.
This positive list specifies the conditions under which a particular nutrient may be used for a health claim. This means that anything that is not allowed is prohibited.
Conclusion
It is also important to note here that approved health claims are always approved for a specific nutrient. Anyone who uses health-promoting nutrients in foods is therefore also advertising in a nutrient-specific manner.