hälsopåståenden

Hälsopåståenden are claims made about the potential health benefits of a food or ingredient. In the European Union, these claims are regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, which aims to ensure that consumers are not misled and that the claims are based on scientific evidence.

There are two main categories of hälsopåståenden: general function claims and reduction of disease risk claims. General function claims describe the role of a nutrient or other substance in growth, development, and normal body functions, or in a specific bodily function. For example, "Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones" is a general function claim. Reduction of disease risk claims suggest that consumption of a particular food or ingredient can reduce the risk of developing a disease. An example of this type of claim is "Oat beta-glucan contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels."

For a hälsopåstående to be authorized in the EU, it must be scientifically substantiated by a body of evidence, typically evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Manufacturers wishing to use an authorized claim on their products must comply with the specific wording and conditions of use established for that claim. Unauthorized claims are prohibited, and misleading statements can result in penalties. The regulation also covers nutritional claims, which describe the nutritional value of a food, such as "low fat" or "high in fiber."