European Commission Adopts List of Permitted Health Claims

The European Commission has approved a list of 222 health claims—“for
example on the role of calcium and bone health or vitamin C and the immune
system”—that are permitted for use on food labeling and advertising.
According to a May 16, 2012, press release, food manufacturers must adapt
their practices to the new requirements by the beginning of December 2012,
at which point “all claims that are not authorized and not on hold/under
consideration shall be prohibited.”

“Today’s decision is the culmination of years of work and marks a major milestone in regulating health claims on food,” said Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli. “The EU-wide list of permitted health claims will be available on-line and will allow consumers everywhere in the EU to make an informed choice. Non-scientifically backed claims will have to be removed from the market after a short transition period.”