What are nutrition and health claims?
Last Updated : 10 July 2024In today’s health-conscious world, consumers are increasingly seeking information about the nutritional content and health benefits of the foods they consume. As a result, claims about certain properties of the food have gained prominence on food packaging. In the EU, three types of claims are allowed to be made on foods: ‘nutrition claims,’ ‘health claims,’ and ‘disease risk factor reduction’ claims. This article explores what these claims mean and the importance of critically evaluating them to promote better nutrition and overall health.
What are nutrition claims?
Nutrition claims state, suggest or imply that a food has a particular beneficial nutritional property due to its composition (regarding energy or a particular nutrient). They highlight that a product is high or low in a particular nutrient. The high/low level of this nutrient must be clearly marked on the label, close to and with the same prominence as the claim. Nutrition claims are regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Some common claims that can be found on foods and drinks include:
|
Nutrient |
Nutrition claim |
Definition |
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Energy |
‘Low energy’ |
<40 kcal per 100 g (solids) or 20 kcal per 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘Energy-reduced’ |
At least 30% less energy than the regular product |
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‘Energy-free’ |
<4 kcal per 100 ml |
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Fat |
‘Low-fat’ |
<3 g of fat per 100 g (solids) or <1.5 g of fat per 100 ml (liquids) (<1.8 g of fat per 100 ml for semi-skimmed milk) |
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‘Fat-free’ |
<0.5 g of fat per 100 g or 100 ml |
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‘Low-saturated fat’ |
Saturated & trans-fatty acids are <1.5 g per 100 g (solids) or <0.75 g per 100 ml (liquids) & trans fats must provide <10% of energy |
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‘Saturated fat-free’ |
Saturated & trans-fatty acids are <0.1 g per 100 g or 100 ml |
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Sugar |
‘Low sugar’ |
<5 g of sugars per 100 g (solid) or <2.5 g of sugars per 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘Sugars-free’ |
<0.5 g of sugars per 100 g (solid) or 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘With no added sugars’ |
No sugars were added during its production; BUT may contain naturally occurring sugars |
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Fibre |
‘Source of fibre’ |
≥3 g per 100 g or ≥1.5 g per 100 kcal |
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‘High fibre’ |
≥6 g per 100 g or ≥3 g per 100 kcal |
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Protein |
‘Source of protein’ |
At least 12% of the energy of that food comes from protein |
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‘High protein’ |
At least 20% of the energy of that food comes from protein |
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‘Increased protein’ |
At least 12% of the energy value of food comes from protein and has a 30% increase in protein compared to a similar product |
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Salt |
‘Low salt’ |
<0.3 g of salt per 100 g (solid) or 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘Very low salt’ |
<0.1 g of salt per 100 g (solid) or 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘Salt-free’ |
<0.0125 g of salt per 100 g (solid) or 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘No added salt’ |
Does not contain any added salt or ingredients containing salt and has <0.3 g of salt per 100 g (solid) or 100 ml (liquids) |
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Vitamin/minerals |
‘Source of [vitamin/mineral]’ |
Contains ≥15% of the nutrient reference values per 100 g or ml (solid) or ≥7.5% per 100 ml (liquids) |
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‘High in [vitamin/mineral]’ |
Contains at least twice the value of ‘source of’ |
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Other claims |
‘Light/lite’ |
For energy (kcal), fat or sugars: it’s at least 30% less than the regular product For salt: it’s 25% less salt than the regular product |
What are health claims?
Health claims state, suggest or imply that a relationship exists between a food or one of its components and health. This type of claim mentions the function the nutrient plays in the body. Health claims must be based on generally accepted scientific data and be well understood by the average consumer. For example, when a product bears the nutrition claim ‘source of calcium’ it can also bear the health claim ‘calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.’ Another example of a health claim is ‘vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.’ Such a claim can only be made when the product is a ‘source of vitamin C’ or ‘high in vitamin C.’
A ‘disease risk factor reduction’ claim is a specific type of health claim, which state that a food or one of its components significantly reduces a risk factor for human disease. For example, plant sterols can help reduce blood cholesterol, thereby reducing a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This specific claim can be used for yellow fat spreads, dairy products, mayonnaise, and salad dressing with more than 1.5 plant sterols. On the packaging it will state ‘Plant sterols and plant stanol ester have been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease.’
When manufacturers want to make health claims on food products, there are important guidelines to ensure consumers have the necessary information. If a food item makes a health claim, it must include additional information such as a statement emphasising the important of having a diverse and balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This highlights that the claimed benefits are not a substitute for overall healthy habits. In addition, it must also include information on the amount of the food that needs to be consumed to experience the stated positive effects and, if applicable, a statement aimed at individuals who should avoid using the food and a warning for products that may pose a health risk if consumed excessively.
Like nutrition claims, the EFSA approves all health claims in the EU. The accepted list of health claims are available in a public register. For new health claims, a file with the supporting evidence needs to be submitted to EFSA, by the company wishing to make the claim on a food or drink, and the approval procedure followed. For disease risk factor reduction claims and claims on children’s health, more elaborate procedures are in place.
Do claims make a product ‘healthier’?
Claims are used to present products as having an additional health or nutritional benefit. However, it’s important to remember that they don’t take into account the overall nutritional quality of the product, and just because a food product has a nutrition claim doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. For example, a food which is high in fat, salt and/or sugar can still use claims such as ‘rich in vitamin C’ or ‘high in fibre,’ even if the overall health and nutritional benefits of the product are low. If you see any of these claims, check the nutrition declaration and ingredient list to compare between products for the healthiest option. Individual food products with specific nutrition and health claims should also be considered within the broader context of an entire diet. In other words, while certain products may highlight specific benefits, it is the overall variety and balance of foods consumed that play a role in promoting and sustaining good health.
Summary
Nutrition claims are statements that describe the nutritional properties or characteristics of a food, while health claims are statements that link a food component or ingredient to a health outcome. They give information about one specific nutrient only and therefore do not necessarily make a product healthy. Remember, these claims don’t give you the complete picture of a food such as its (added) fat, sugar or salt content. Check the nutrition declaration and ingredient list to compare between products for the healthiest option.
References
- European Parliament, Council of the European Union. (2006). Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods.
- European Parliament, Council of the European Union. (2012). Commission Regulation (EU) No 1047/2012 of 8 November 2012 amending Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 with regard to the list of nutrition claims Text with EEA relevance
