Health claim

A health claim is any statement suggesting that a food or one of its components has a beneficial effect on health (e.g. “calcium contributes to normal bones”, “fibre supports bowel regularity”). In Europe they are strictly regulated (Regulation EC 1924/2006): only those assessed and approved by EFSA are permitted.

A fresh angle (the hunt for false promises): this regulation was a major clear-out. Before 2006, packaging was full of fanciful, unproven claims. EFSA reviewed thousands of applications and rejected the vast majority for lack of evidence. As a result, most “miracle” claims were banned.

A key distinction between two types:

1. Nutrition claims: about composition (“source of fibre”, “low salt”, “no added sugars”), defined by precise thresholds
2. Health claims: about a physiological effect (“contributes to the reduction of tiredness”, “supports immunity”), which require validated scientific evidence

The special case of disease risk reduction claims: the strictest of all, stating that a food reduces the risk of a disease (e.g. plant sterols and cholesterol). Very tightly controlled.

Workarounds (to spot): despite the regulation, the industry uses strategies:

1. Implied claims through visuals, the product name, a drawn heart, or vague, unregulated words (“wellbeing”, “vitality”, “balance”)
2. Health halo: a single positive aspect is highlighted (“rich in vitamin C”) masking a product that is otherwise very sugary
3. Positive non-health descriptors (“natural”, “artisan”) that have no strict definition

In practice: an authorised health claim is reliable (scientifically validated), BUT it does not make a product a “healthy” food overall. A fizzy drink that is a “source of vitamin C” is still a fizzy drink. The habit to keep is to read the ingredient list and nutrition table rather than trust the claims on the front.