Terveysväittämiin

Terveysväittämiin refers to claims made about the health benefits or effects of a food product, ingredient, or a substance. These claims are often used in marketing to highlight specific properties of a product that are perceived to be good for consumers' health. In many jurisdictions, including the European Union, health claims are regulated to ensure that they are not misleading and are supported by scientific evidence.

There are generally two types of health claims: disease reduction claims and function claims. Disease reduction claims suggest that consuming a particular food or substance can reduce the risk of developing a disease. Function claims, on the other hand, describe the physiological function of a food or ingredient and its effect on health. For instance, a claim that a food is a good source of fiber and contributes to normal digestive function would be a function claim.

Before a health claim can be used on food product labels or in advertising, it typically needs to be authorized by regulatory bodies. This process involves submitting scientific data to demonstrate the validity of the claim. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims in the EU. Companies must provide robust scientific substantiation, which can include human intervention studies.

The purpose of regulating health claims is to protect consumers from false or misleading information and to allow them to make informed choices about their diet. Unsubstantiated or misleading health claims can erode consumer trust and potentially lead to poor dietary choices. Therefore, clear and accurate communication about the health-related properties of food is crucial.