Health claims for foods in focus

European Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods came into force in early 2007. This means that, after many years of discussion, it is now possible to use health claims on foods in all European Union (EU) countries. The main reasons for EU regulation in this area are consumer protection and protection of data behind innovative food products. Free movement of products without hindrance from differences in national legislation is another important aspect. The Regulation has been awaited for many years, by the industry as well as by consumer organizations. In the Regulation, provision is made even for the most controversial type of claims in relation to medicinal products legislation, i.e. disease risk reduction claims.