US-based Functional Ingredients magazine warns that businesses should rigorously document health benefits when introducing new products based on the next 'hero ingredient' or newly discovered substance prior to exporting.
The 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.
“All acceptable claims allowed under the law and regulatory authority must be based upon some level of scientific knowledge and proof,” Functional Ingredients magazine said.
New Zealand companies operating in packaged and branded functional foods or beverages should review their marketing claims carefully.
Source: Functional Ingredients
