An increasing number of companies are coming under the US Food & Drug Administration’s scrutiny for poorly documented health benefit claims.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recognises four areas of health claims:
Unqualified claims (discusses the relationship between nutrients and disease or health condition);
Structure function claims (refers to role of nutrient/substance in the function/structure of a body);
Qualified claims (describes the relationship between nutrient/substance and a condition/body function and may not be misleading);
Dietary guidance statements (claims describing general health and well being).
Each claim area must be scientifically documented and meet specific requirements.
Australian and New Zealand companies operating in packaged and branded functional foods or beverages are advised to review their marketing claims carefully.
Source: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise