“Health claim” means any claim that states, suggests or implies that a relationship exists between a food category, a food or one of its constituents and health.
General function health claims
These health claims are describing or referring to:
- the role of a nutrient or other substance in growth, development and the functions of the body;
- psychological and behavioural functions; or
- slimming or weightcontrol or a reduction in the sense of hunger or an increase in the sense of satiety or to the reduction of the available energy from the diet.
Examples:
Activated charcoal contributes to reducing excessive flatulence after eating –
The claim may be used only for food which contains 1 g of activated charcoal per quantified portion. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with 1 g which should be taken at least 30 minutes before and 1 g shortly after the meal.
Biotin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of biotin as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011 .
Significant amount of vitamins and minerals. As a rule, the following values should be taken into consideration in deciding what constitutes a significant amount:
- 15 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 supplied by 100 g or 100 ml in the case of products other than beverages,
- 7,5 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 supplied by 100 ml in the case of beverages, or,
- 15 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 per portion if the package contains only a single portion.
Reduction of disease risk claim
This type of claims includes any health claim that states, suggests or implies that the consumption of a food category, a food or one of its constituents significantly reduces a risk factor in the development of a human disease.
Examples:
Plant sterols/Plant stanol esters – Plant sterols and plant stanol esters have been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. There have to be information to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 1,5-3 g plant sterols/stanols.
Sugar-free chewing gum – Sugar-free chewing gum contributes to the neutralisation of plaque acids. Information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with chewing, for at least 20 minutes, after eating or drinking.
Reduction of disease risk claims and claims referring to children's development and health
Examples:
Iodine – “Iodine contributes to the normal growth of children”
Iron – „Iron contributes to normal cognitive development of children”
Vitamin D – „Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children”
The claims mentioned abowe can be used only for food which is at least a source of element as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Products have to contain at least significant amount of vitamins and minerals.
As a rule, the following values should be taken into consideration in deciding what constitutes a significant amount:
- 15 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 supplied by 100 g or 100 ml in the case of products other than beverages,
- 7,5 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 supplied by 100 ml in the case of beverages, or,
- 15 % of the nutrient reference values specified in point 1 per portion if the package contains only a single portion.