The new EU regulation on nutrition and health claims: comments related to experiences from the Swedish Code of Practice

Abstract

The new European Union (EU) regulation on nutrition and health claims came into force on 19 January
2007. This means that the same rules for use of such claims in advertisements, labelling and presentation of
foods, including food supplements, will now be implemented throughout the EU. Some countries have had
Codes of Practices allowing certain health claims. Experiences from such Codes, such as in Sweden since
1990, will be useful in implementing the new regulation. When used in a responsible way according to the
regulation, health claims may be important in driving product development and assisting consumers in
making healthy choices.

Citation: Scandinavian Journal of Food and Nutrition 2007; 51 (1): 41-43