From November 2019
Nutrition and health claims
Nutrition claims (e.g. “low fat”, “high fibre”) and health claims (e.g. “Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children”) are often used to highlight the beneficial effects of products, making them more attractive to consumers. These claims are presented on the product label or in its advertising but are regulated in the EU by legislation, namely Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on Nutrition and Health Claims. This ensures any claims made are clear, accurate and based on scientific evidence.
We often receive enquiries from clients about how to achieve a fibre claim. The conditions to make such claims are laid down in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 which provides the following:
- Source of fibre
A claim that a food is a source of fibre, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains at least 3g of fibre per 100g or at least 1.5g of fibre per 100 kcal. - High fibre
A claim that a food is high in fibre, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where the product contains at least 6g of fibre per 100g or at least 3g of fibre per 100 kcal.
This legislation will continue to apply once the UK has left the EU. Products exported to the EU after EU exit day will be required to comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. For products sold in the UK, it is yet to be determined whether this law will be retained as it is or whether a new law will be put in place in due course.
Contact: Sharon Morey
+44(0)1386 842295
sharon.morey@campdenbri.co.uk