Are Nutrition/Health Claims on Foods Regulated?

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Created on 01, April, 2007

A dietitian quoted in an online news article says that nutrition and health claims on food packages are not regulated.

The FDA regulates and defines all health and nutrition claims and implied claims on food products. Any claim that is not defined or authorized (e.g., “low carb” or “high in omega-3”) is not allowed on food packages or in advertising (meaning product Web sites also must use proper labeling terms/claims). See FDA’s overview of the categories of claims that can be used for food products, and the linked pages for more details. Claims on restaurant menus must meet the same definitions/criteria, but enforcement is generally through local health departments.