Terveysväittämillä

Terveysväittämillä are claims about the potential health benefits of a food or ingredient. In the European Union, these claims are subject to strict regulation to ensure they are scientifically substantiated and not misleading to consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims before they can be authorized for use on food labels.

For a health claim to be approved, it must be based on generally accepted scientific evidence and must be true for the general population. The claim must also explain what the claimed benefit is and indicate that this benefit is achieved by consuming a certain amount of the food or ingredient. Additionally, the claim should specify that the benefit is obtained from consuming a certain quantity of food or ingredient.

There are various types of health claims, including those related to general health and well-being, disease risk reduction, and children's development and health. For example, a claim about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for heart health or calcium for bone health would fall under this regulatory framework. Manufacturers must provide robust scientific data, often through human studies, to prove their claims. If the scientific evidence is insufficient or inconclusive, the health claim will not be authorized. The regulation aims to protect consumers by ensuring that health claims are reliable and contribute to informed food choices.