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The health secrets of America's food labels: How does the FDA decide which claims can appear?
Health claims frequently appear on food labels in the United States and can significantly influence consumer choices. Food manufacturers often claim that certain foods can reduce the risk of certain diseases. Behind these statements are complex regulatory and supervisory mechanisms, particularly guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Health claims are generally divided into two categories: authorized health claims and qualified health claims. According to FDA regulations, “an authorized health claim is a statement that has been reviewed by FDA and is permitted for use on a food or dietary supplement that suggests that a food or food ingredient may reduce the risk of a specific disease or health condition.” These statements It needs to rely on a large body of scientific evidence and must be evaluated in the public eye.
“Authorised health claims must help consumers understand the importance of including this element in their daily diet.”
Additionally, these statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or mitigate disease. In contrast, qualified health claims can sometimes be supported but do not meet the scientific consensus standards required for authorized health claims. Qualified health claims must be accompanied by a statement or other qualifying language that accurately communicates the extent of the scientific evidence supporting the claim.
"There is some scientific evidence to support this claim, but the evidence is not conclusive."
Concerning food health labels, consumers and experts often express concerns about the "healthy" label. Many food quality advocacy groups point out that most health benefit claims made about specific foods are not supported by scientific evidence and are not evaluated by national regulators. This issue highlights the confusion and challenges consumers face in finding healthier options.
“Studies show that research funded by manufacturers or marketing agencies often produces more favorable results than independent studies.”
In the United States, label claims for dietary supplements are often referred to as “qualified health claims” and are regulated by the FDA. Since 2003, the FDA has tightened its requirements for these statements. Regarding the establishment of claims, the FDA has developed a definition of scientific consensus, which provides a scientific assurance standard.
"In FDA's judgment, the scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited and inconclusive."
In other countries and regions, such as the European Union and Canada, the standards for health claims vary. The European Union has set up the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to monitor health claims on food labels to ensure they are true and not misleading. In the UK, the law requires that any health claims must be true and not mislead consumers.
As countries around the world tighten safety regulations on food labels, consumers not only need to rely on those shocking health slogans when choosing products, but must also carefully consider the supporting evidence and compliance behind these slogans. Especially as consumers become more health-conscious, they are deeply concerned about the impact of these labels on their lives. Can you tell the difference between real and fake health food labels?
