Consumer Health News
EU lawmakers toughen 'misleading' food health claim laws
May 16, 2006, 16:40 GMT
Brussels - European Union food companies will no longer be allowed to make unfounded claims on the nutritional quality or health benefits of products, EU lawmakers agreed Tuesday.
This the first time that the EU has tried to set common rules on labelling of vitamins, minerals and food additives.
No food products will be banned by the new EU law but manufacturers unable to justify claims will have to change packaging and labelling.
Under the rules, for example, food companies will be required to provide the amount of sugar in 'low fat' yoghurts or the amount of fat in 'reduced sugar' food.
Nutrition claims on alcoholic products will not be permitted, unless they refer to a reduction in alcohol or calories.
Positive health claims such as 'calcium is good for your bones' will be allowed on packages as long as they are scientifically proven.
In addition, the new food labelling rules set criteria for maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in food.
National governments this summer have to give their green light to the legislation before rules can formally be adopted in autumn.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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