Health Claims vs Nutrition Content Claims: What's the Difference?
Understanding food labels is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Two common types of claims you'll encounter are health claims and nutrition content claims. While both provide information about the food product, they differ significantly in their meaning, regulation, and the type of information they convey. This article will break down the differences between these two types of claims to help you navigate the supermarket aisles with confidence.
Defining Health Claims
Health claims describe a relationship between a food (or a component of a food) and a health condition. They suggest that consuming a particular food or nutrient may have a beneficial effect on your health or reduce the risk of disease. These claims are generally more complex and require scientific evidence to support them.
Types of Health Claims
Health claims can be broadly categorised into:
General Level Health Claims: These refer to a general health benefit of a food or nutrient. They don't refer to a specific disease or condition. An example might be: "Calcium for strong bones and teeth."
High Level Health Claims: These refer to a serious disease or condition. They are strictly regulated and require a high level of scientific evidence. An example might be: "Diets high in calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis."
It's important to note that in Australia and New Zealand, high level health claims must be pre-approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) before they can be used on food labels.
Defining Nutrition Content Claims
Nutrition content claims, on the other hand, describe the level of a nutrient in a food. They highlight the presence or absence of a specific nutrient, or compare the level of a nutrient in one food to another. These claims are typically simpler and more straightforward than health claims.
Examples of Nutrition Content Claims
Common nutrition content claims include:
"Low fat"
"High in fibre"
"Source of vitamin C"
"Reduced salt"
"No added sugar"
These claims provide information about the nutritional composition of the food, allowing consumers to quickly assess whether a product aligns with their dietary needs or preferences. Understanding these claims is vital, and you can learn more about Foodlabel and our commitment to clear and accurate food labelling.
Regulatory Requirements for Health Claims
Due to their potential impact on consumer health decisions, health claims are subject to strict regulatory oversight. In Australia and New Zealand, FSANZ sets the standards for health claims under the Food Standards Code.
Key Regulatory Requirements:
Scientific Substantiation: All health claims must be supported by credible scientific evidence. The level of evidence required depends on the type of claim (general level or high level).
Pre-Approval for High Level Claims: As mentioned earlier, high level health claims require pre-approval from FSANZ before they can be used on food labels. This ensures that only claims with strong scientific backing are permitted.
Conditions of Use: FSANZ specifies the conditions under which a health claim can be made. This includes the amount of the food or nutrient that must be consumed to achieve the claimed effect.
Mandatory Statements: Specific statements may be required on the label to provide context or clarify the meaning of the health claim. For example, a claim about calcium and bone health may need to include a statement about the importance of vitamin D.
Compliance with the Food Standards Code: All health claims must comply with the relevant sections of the Food Standards Code, including those related to labelling and advertising.
Regulatory Requirements for Nutrition Content Claims
Nutrition content claims are also regulated by FSANZ, although the requirements are generally less stringent than those for health claims. The Food Standards Code specifies the criteria that must be met for a food to be labelled with a particular nutrition content claim.
Key Regulatory Requirements:
Specific Nutrient Levels: The Food Standards Code defines the specific levels of nutrients that must be present (or absent) for a food to be labelled with a particular nutrition content claim. For example, to be labelled "low fat," a food must contain no more than 3g of fat per 100g (for solids) or 1.5g of fat per 100ml (for liquids).
Standardised Definitions: FSANZ provides standardised definitions for common nutrition content claims, ensuring consistency across different food products. This helps consumers to easily understand the meaning of these claims.
Conditions of Use: Similar to health claims, nutrition content claims may have specific conditions of use. For example, a claim about "reduced salt" may need to specify the percentage reduction compared to a standard product.
Compliance with the Food Standards Code: All nutrition content claims must comply with the relevant sections of the Food Standards Code.
It's important for food manufacturers to adhere to these regulations to ensure that their labelling is accurate and compliant. If you're unsure about your labelling requirements, consider exploring our services for assistance.
Examples of Common Health Claims
Here are some examples of common health claims you might find on food labels:
"A diet high in fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers." (General Level)
"Folate may reduce the risk of neural tube defects in women of childbearing age." (High Level - requires pre-approval)
"Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health." (General Level)
"Probiotics may help improve digestive health." (General Level)
"Plant sterols can help lower cholesterol." (General Level)
Remember to look for supporting information and consider the overall context of the claim. Just because a food contains a nutrient associated with a health benefit doesn't automatically make it a healthy choice. Consider the other ingredients and the overall nutritional profile of the product.
Examples of Common Nutrition Content Claims
Here are some examples of common nutrition content claims you might find on food labels:
"Low fat"
"High in fibre"
"Source of protein"
"Reduced sugar"
"No added salt"
"Cholesterol free"
"Good source of calcium"
"Lightly salted"
"Gluten free" (although this is technically a 'suitable for' claim, it relates to the absence of a specific nutrient/component)
When evaluating nutrition content claims, pay attention to the serving size and consider how the claim fits into your overall dietary needs. A product labelled "low fat" may still be high in sugar or calories, so it's important to read the entire nutrition information panel. You can also check out our frequently asked questions for more information.
By understanding the differences between health claims and nutrition content claims, you can become a more informed and discerning consumer. Always read food labels carefully and consider your individual dietary needs and preferences when making food choices. Remember that food labels are just one source of information, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised dietary advice.