SUMMER 2015 SUPPLEMENTS FOOD FOR THOUGHT Health claims on food products what should your business consider? SUPPLEMENTS Local authorities across the Midlands have collaborated on sampling and examining food supplements making health claims that are sold on the internet. Of the 25 products and websites examined, all were found to be in breach of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations (England) 2007. Specifically, these traders were using the term fatburner, which is not permitted. As a consequence of the survey, all the non-complaint businesses are now being targeted for intervention measures by trading standards and environmental health officers around the country. The legislation was brought in to protect consumers and law-abiding businesses from misleading or false claims. Itharmonises legislation across Europe, making it easier to trade, and helps food business operators to comply with the law. The regulations also make it easier for businesses to identify nutrition and health claims that can justifiably be used on a specific product. To summarise: G Health claims that suggest health could be affected by not consuming the food cannot be made on food G Health claims that make reference to the rate or amount of weight loss cannot be made on food G Health claims that make reference to recommendations by individual doctors or health professionals cannot FIND OUT MORE be made on food Further detailed guidance is available from the UK government, along with information on G Health claims must be nutritional claims. included in the list of health claims authorised in the EU Register to be used on food; the register builds up gradually as claims are authorised. Products will also have to meet the specific conditions ofuse stated BUSINESS MATTERS Trading standards is committed to making it easier for businesses in the Midlands to comply with the law and Trading Standards Business News is one of the ways we can do just that. Formerly Trading Standards News, this publication always focuses on topics that are relevant for people running businesses, helping them to operate safely and efciently while staying within the law. If you are viewing this edition on a web browser, you can download the TSBN app for Apple, Android and Amazon devices. These requirements have substantial implications for the multitude of traders that manufacture, import and retail food supplements as infringing health claims may be linked historically with such products. So what should your business do to ensure it is operating legally? In short, review product labelling and all advertising (including that on your own websites) to ensure that any claim made about any food products is permitted (that is, crosscheck claims with those listed on the EU Register). If you are worried about how labelling legislation applies to your product range, contact your Home Authority/Primary Authority to seek guidance on how these matters apply to you. Remember, this is not the only legislation that applies to such products; consideration should be given to the Food Information Regulations 2014 and the Food Supplements Regulations 2003 among others. Credits: Paul Bird Images: antoniodiaz / Shutterstock