„High in fiber," „lowers cholesterol," „source of vitamin C" — claims like these on packaging aren't marketing freedom for manufacturers. These are nutrition and health claims, and their use is strictly regulated, because they directly shape how consumers perceive a product.
A nutrition claim states or implies that a product has particular beneficial nutritional properties — for example that it is a „source of protein," „no added sugar," or „reduced fat." To use such a claim, the product must actually meet the prescribed quantitative requirements for that nutrient.
A health claim goes a step further — it asserts a relationship between a nutrient and health (e.g. „calcium contributes to normal muscle function"). Such claims must be scientifically substantiated and approved, and a manufacturer may not independently formulate a new health claim without a basis in applicable regulations.
When a manufacturer uses a claim that isn't substantiated or that exceeds what is permitted, the consumer gets a misleading picture of the product — which can affect food choices, especially for people with specific health needs. That's precisely why correct labeling is one of the core services IHIS Nutricionizam provides to manufacturers — see our labeling and health claims services.
