European Reglament on Statements Health Improving Properties re Food Products

You might not be aware of this, but each and every statement on food products, claiming that a certain ingredient, in a certain dosage will have a positive effect on your health, needs to be approved by the European Commission.

There is a separate Reglament for claims re actual decrease of risk of certain diseases and another one for claims re the development and health of children.

The actual wording of such claims is like a patent and can only be used by the company filing the claim with the European Commission, and will remain their exclusive ´property´ for 5 years. After that, other companies can use the same wording as well, provided they apply to the same health effect, of course.

The latest claim, as approved by the European Commission:

Los flavanoles del cacao ayudan a mantener la elasticidad de los vasos sanguíneos, lo que contribuye a un flujo sanguíneo normal. / The flavanoles of cacao help to maintain the elasticity of your veins, thus contributing to a normal blood flow.

Soon you will be able to read this text, accompanied by the condition that this will only ´work´ if you digest 200 mg of these ´flavonoles´ on a daily basis, on dark chocolate bars,  choc powder and choc capsules/pills, produced by a very well known Belgian chocolatier.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.