What is a Health Claim? Types, Regulations and Impact on Consumers

Introduction

A health claim is any statement made about a food product or supplement that links its consumption with a health benefit. These claims are used by food manufacturers to market their products and can have a significant impact on consumer buying decisions. Understanding the regulations surrounding health claims, the different types of claims that exist, and the potential impact they can have on consumers is important for both manufacturers and consumers alike.

Definition of a Health Claim

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a health claim as “any claim made in labeling or advertising about a relationship between a food, food component, or dietary supplement ingredient and a disease or health-related condition.” This definition is broad and encompasses a range of statements from those that simply describe the nutrient content of a food to those that make bolder claims about the health benefits associated with consuming a particular food or supplement.

Overview of Regulations Surrounding Health Claims

The FDA regulates health claims in order to ensure that they are truthful and not misleading. The agency has developed several categories of health claims, each with its own set of regulations. In general, the more specific a health claim is, the more evidence is required to support it. All health claims must be approved by the FDA before they can be used in labeling or advertising.

Common Types of Health Claims

There are three main types of health claims: nutrient content claims, structure/function claims, and disease risk reduction claims. Each type of claim has its own set of regulations and requirements.

Nutrient Content Claims

Nutrient content claims describe the amount of a particular nutrient in a food item, such as “low fat” or “high fiber.” These claims are regulated by the FDA and must meet certain criteria in order to be approved. For example, a claim like “low sodium” must meet the FDA’s definition of what constitutes low sodium.

Structure/Function Claims

Structure/function claims describe how a nutrient or food component affects the body, such as “calcium helps build strong bones.” These claims are regulated by the FDA, but they do not have to meet the same strict criteria as nutrient content claims. Manufacturers must submit a notification to the FDA if they wish to use a structure/function claim, but the claim does not need to be approved by the agency.

Disease Risk Reduction Claims

Disease risk reduction claims link a food or supplement to reducing the risk of a particular disease, such as “eating blueberries can reduce your risk of heart disease.” These claims are heavily regulated by the FDA and require scientific evidence to support them. Manufacturers must submit a petition to the FDA in order to use a disease risk reduction claim.

Impact of Health Claims on Consumers

Health claims can have a substantial impact on consumer buying decisions. Studies have shown that consumers are more likely to purchase a product when it includes a health claim, even when the claim is not supported by scientific evidence. On the other hand, some research suggests that consumers may be wary of products with health claims and may even avoid them due to concerns about safety or efficacy.

Different Approaches to Health Claims

Manufacturers have two main approaches to making health claims: traditional and non-traditional. Traditional approaches involve using the FDA’s categories of health claims and submitting the appropriate forms or petitions to the agency. Non-traditional approaches involve using alternative methods such as marketing campaigns or online platforms to communicate the potential health benefits of a product without submitting any paperwork to the FDA.

Traditional approaches are typically more expensive and time-consuming, but they offer the advantage of being able to make claims that are backed up by scientific evidence. Non-traditional approaches are less expensive and faster, but they do not guarantee that the claims are accurate or supported by science.

Conclusion

Health claims can have a significant impact on consumer purchasing decisions. It is important for manufacturers to understand the regulations surrounding health claims and the different types of claims that exist. Manufacturers also need to consider the pros and cons of using traditional and non-traditional approaches to making health claims. By understanding these factors, manufacturers can make informed decisions about how best to market their products.