Guidance on comparative nutrition claims
Foreword
Manufacturers can help people to select healthier options by highlighting on
their packaging
reductions or increases in nutrients, for example: less sugar; fewer calories;
more fibre. Such claims
can also encourage businesses to reformulate their recipes or offer alternative
options with a healthier
nutrient profile.
This step by step guide by the Food and Drink Federation
(FDF)
offers a consistent
approach to making comparative nutrition claims. Businesses may find this
helpful when considering
the requirements of the legislation and in providing accurate information on
their product packaging.
As guidance, this document cannot offer an authoritative interpretation of
the
law, which only the
courts can provide. The views expressed in the guidance are those of the FDF
and
the foreword
should not be taken as an endorsement by the Department of Health of the
content.
Tim Baxter, Deputy Director – Healthy Behaviours, Department of
Health
In this guide
1. Scope of this guidance
This document provides detailed best practice guidance on the requirements
and substantiation for, and appropriate wording of, any comparative nutrition
claims to be used in the labelling and advertising of pre-packaged food
and beverage products in the UK. Comparative nutrition claims stipulate a
difference in the quantity of a nutrient or energy value:
This guidance also describes comparative nutrition claims which are not
permitted, such
as reduced claims against a previous recipe that is no longer available in the
marketplace
and equivalence claims such as “as much 'nutrient' as 'other
category” claims.
This guidance does not cover non-nutrition comparative claims, such as
ingredient (e.g.
30% more fruit), taste, texture, or pricing comparative claims, or to health
claims that
draw comparisons.
Comparative claims may also include comparisons made against previous recipes,
on a
portfolio basis for example, however this guidance will not consider the
requirements for
these types of claims.
2. Overarching principles of nutrition claims
The legislation on nutrition and health claims
aims to ensure that consumers are not misled by
unsubstantiated, exaggerated or untruthful claims,
by ensuring that genuine nutrition and health claims
are not competing with false or inaccurate claims.
A nutrition or health claim should not be made if it
is inconsistent with generally accepted nutrition and
health principles or if it encourages or condones
excessive consumption of any food or disparages
good dietary practice.
Next page: 3. Legislative
requirements for
comparative
nutrition
claims