If you look into food supplements, you soon notice how much the language used can vary. One retailer uses cautious wording, while another is bold and persuasive. That can raise questions. What can actually be said about health? And how do you know whether the information is accurate?
Behind every claim you read, there is legislation. We take a considered and careful approach to it. In this blog, we explain what is legally permitted, how oversight works and why careful wording is a matter of course for us.
Contents
What the rules really mean
European legislation sets out precisely which nutrition and health claims may be used. These rules are laid down in the European Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation. Only claims that have been scientifically assessed and officially authorised may be used for foods and food supplements.
Medical claims are not permitted for supplements. This means that no statements may be made about treating, curing or preventing diseases. The legal distinction between a permitted health claim and a medical claim is clearly defined.
In the Netherlands, the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) oversees compliance with this legislation. Its oversight is not limited to labels. Websites, blogs, newsletters and other forms of communication are also covered. Every statement must therefore be both factually accurate and legally compliant.
Botanicals and ‘on hold’ claims
Botanical ingredients (plants and herbs) are subject to a specific situation. Many health claims for botanicals were submitted to the European Commission before 2010 and have been ‘on hold’ ever since. This means that their assessment has not yet been finalised.
These claims may be used under certain conditions, provided they carry a clear disclaimer. The asterisk you sometimes see after a claim refers to this specific status. It indicates that the botanical claim is still awaiting a final European assessment.
In an earlier blog we explain in detail exactly what this asterisk means and how health claims for botanicals are assessed.
Care in practice
Regulations may sound technical, but in practice they come down to something simple: responsibility. At Morgen is Nu, every claim is carefully reviewed before it is used.
We assess the supporting evidence, check whether a claim appears on the European list of authorised claims and verify that the wording falls within the legal framework. As part of this, we look into the scientific background and carefully consider nuance and context.
This is not a one-off process. Legislation and its interpretation can change. We stay alert to those changes too. Where necessary, we adjust wording, clarify information or add context.
Sometimes this means our wording is more measured than you might see elsewhere. Less assertive. But carefully considered and in line with what is supported by evidence and legally permitted.
Building trust
The NVWA’s role is clear: to ensure food safety and accurate, honest information. This protects consumers from misleading claims and prevents health from being used as a casual marketing term.
We take these requirements seriously, because you should be able to trust what you read and use. Taking care is not a formality, but a natural part of how we work.
Every claim is carefully considered. Not to make something seem more than it is, but to remain honest and transparent within the limits of what is permitted.
