Health claims

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Health claims are strictly regulated and prohibited unless they fully comply with both the general requirements for claims and the specific requirements for health claims, in addition to being officially authorized. To ensure transparency and consumer safety, specific information must be included in the labeling, presentation, or advertising of the product. This includes a statement emphasizing the importance of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, as well as details on the quantity of the food and the consumption pattern necessary to achieve the claimed health benefit. Additionally, if applicable, the labeling must feature a statement warning individuals who should avoid the product and an appropriate warning for products that could pose a health risk if consumed in excess. These requirements are designed to prevent misleading claims and ensure that consumers receive accurate and useful information.

Certain types of health claims are explicitly banned to protect consumers from misleading or harmful information. Prohibited claims include those that suggest health could be negatively affected by not consuming the food, as well as claims that refer to the rate or amount of weight loss. Additionally, claims that cite recommendations from individual doctors, health professionals, or associations — unless they are recognized national medical, nutrition, or dietetic organizations or health-related charities — are not permitted. Furthermore, general, non-specific statements about the benefits of nutrients or foods for overall health or well-being are only allowed if they are accompanied by a specific, authorized health claim. These restrictions aim to prevent the exploitation of consumer concerns and ensure that health claims are both scientifically valid and ethically communicated.


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