Diet Related Health Claims

Never before have there been diet-related health claims regulated in Canada. Health Canada's new regulations permit 5 diet-related health claims. The new diet-related health claims provide information on the relationship between characteristics of a diet and a disease. There are specific criteria for each claim which may trigger additional nutrient declarations on the Nutrition Facts panel. The wordings for all of the claims are specified to ensure consistency and accuracy. The following are examples only of the claims now allowed:

• Claim #1. "A healthy diet containing foods high in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. (Naming the food) is high in potassium and is low in sodium."
• Claim #2. "A healthy diet with adequate calcium and Vitamin D, and regular physical activity, help to achieve strong bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. (Naming the food) is a good source of calcium"
• Claim #3. "A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. (Naming the food) is free of saturated and trans fats."
• Claim #4. "A healthy diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits may help reduce the risk of some types of cancer."
• Claim #5. There are four phrases that pertain to this claim, all relating to the prevention of tooth decay and/ or dental caries.

For more information email: info@afpa.com or contact the AFPA Team.