The rules of the Regulation apply to nutrition claims (such as "low fat", "high fibre") and to health claims (such as "Vitamin D is needed for the normal growth and development of bone in children").

The objective of those rules is to ensure that any claim made on a food's labelling, presentation or advertising in the European Union is clear, accurate and based on scientific evidence.

Food bearing claims that could mislead consumers are prohibited on the EU market.

This not only protects consumers, but also promotes innovation and ensures fair competition. The rules ensure the free circulation of foods bearing claims, as any food company may use the same claims on its products anywhere in the European Union.

There are different procedures managed by the Commission for the various types of claims, with regard to their authorisation.

A public EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims lists all permitted nutrition claims and all authorised and non-authorised health claims, as a source of reference and so that full transparency for consumers and food business operators is ensured.

Further information:

• EU register of health claims: The EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims lists all permitted nutrition claims and all authorised and non-authorised health claims, as a source of reference and so that full transparency for consumers and food business operators is ensured.

• Evaluation of the Regulation on nutrition and health claims: On 20 May 2020, the Commission completed the Evaluation of the Regulation on nutrition and health claims, which was announced in its Better Regulation Communication of 19 May 2015.

• Health claims: A health claim is any statement about a relationship between food and health.

• Nutrition claims: Any claim which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular beneficial nutritional properties.

Related regulations:

• Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods

• Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health.