How do you add health claims to your food?

1 Know the types of health claims

When it comes to health claims for food, there are a few different types you can use, depending on the level of evidence and the specificity of the claim. Nutrient content claims refer to the amount or proportion of a nutrient or substance in a food, such as low fat or high fiber. Structure/function claims describe the role of a nutrient or substance in the normal structure or function of the body, like calcium for strong bones. Lastly, health claims describe the relationship between a food or component and a disease or health condition, like oatmeal helping to lower cholesterol. It's important to note that each type of claim has different requirements and limitations that must be followed.

2 Check the regulations and guidelines

Before you add a health claim to your food, you need to check the regulations and guidelines of the country or region where you plan to sell your product. Different jurisdictions have different rules and standards for health claims, and some may not allow certain claims or require pre-approval. For example, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates health claims, and you need to comply with their definitions, criteria, and authorized claims. In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates health claims, and you need to follow their list of approved claims and conditions of use. You also need to be aware of any labeling and advertising laws that apply to your product and your claim.

3 Gather and evaluate the evidence

To support your health claim, you need to gather and evaluate the scientific evidence that shows the link between your food or its component and the health benefit. You need to use reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials. You also need to consider the quality, quantity, consistency, and relevance of the evidence, and how it relates to your target population, serving size, and frequency of consumption. You may need to conduct your own research or consult with experts to fill any gaps or uncertainties in the evidence.

4 Craft and test your claim

Once you have the evidence, you need to craft and test your claim. You need to make sure that your claim is clear, accurate, truthful, and not misleading. You need to use appropriate language, qualifiers, disclaimers, and references, and avoid making exaggerated or absolute statements. You also need to consider how your claim fits with the overall image and message of your product and brand. You may want to test your claim with your potential customers, stakeholders, or regulators, and get feedback on how they perceive and understand your claim.

5 Monitor and update your claim

After you add your health claim to your food, you need to monitor and update your claim. You need to keep track of any changes in the regulations, guidelines, or evidence that may affect your claim. You also need to review your claim periodically and make sure that it is still valid, relevant, and consistent with your product and market. You may need to modify or remove your claim if there are new findings, challenges, or opportunities that arise. You also need to be prepared to respond to any questions, complaints, or audits that may come from your customers, competitors, or regulators.

Adding health claims to your food can be a rewarding and profitable strategy, but it also requires careful planning, research, and communication. By following these steps, you can add health claims to your food in a responsible and effective way.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?