Health & nutrition claims

The expanding Single Market has helped bring many benefits to European consumers in the quality and diversity of the food choices at their fingertips. But without sensible safeguards, some products would still boast inaccurate or indeed downright misleading claims on their packaging.

Our 2004 survey of 3,000 EU consumers found most people want a healthy diet, but are heavily dependent on the advertised claims. The survey then went on to highlight many untrue examples on the market such as “Food adapted to healthy living” - “Good for you” - “Relaxes your soul” - “ideal weight”.

The survey was a valuable asset in our work with the Commission. The resulting Health and Nutrition Claims Regulation raised standards by requiring stronger scientific proof of claims.