Deciphering the Three Main Types of Food Claims
Beyond the mandatory Nutrition Facts panel, manufacturers use a variety of voluntary statements to highlight their products. These claims are broadly categorized into three types: nutrient content claims, health claims, and structure-function claims. Each has different legal requirements and implications for consumers. Understanding the distinctions is the first step toward making informed purchases and not falling for marketing jargon.
Nutrient Content Claims
Nutrient content claims describe the level of a nutrient in a food, providing consumers with specific information about what the product contains or lacks. These claims must meet specific, regulated criteria. For instance, in the U.S., a food labeled "low-fat" must contain 3 grams of fat or less per serving. Similarly, a product boasting a "good source of calcium" must provide between 10% and 19% of the Daily Value per serving. This category includes many familiar terms, and knowing their precise definitions is key.
Key nutrient content claims include:
- Free: Contains an insignificant amount of a nutrient (e.g., "sugar-free" means less than 0.5 grams per serving).
- Low: Indicates a minimal amount of a nutrient (e.g., "low-sodium" is 140 milligrams or less per serving).
- Reduced or Less: Signifies at least 25% less of a specific nutrient compared to a standard version of the product.
- High or Excellent Source: Contains 20% or more of the Daily Value for a nutrient per serving.
- Good Source: Contains 10% to 19% of the Daily Value for a nutrient per serving.
Health Claims
Health claims link a food or a substance in a food to a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. These claims are highly regulated and must be supported by substantial scientific evidence and authorized by the FDA before they can be used. An example is the relationship between adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and the reduced risk of osteoporosis. The language is specific and the claim must state that the substance is part of a healthful diet.
Structure-Function Claims
Structure-function claims describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient in affecting the normal structure or function of the body. Unlike health claims, these cannot mention disease prevention or treatment. Examples include "calcium builds strong bones". These claims don't require FDA pre-approval for conventional foods, but dietary supplements require notification to the FDA and a disclaimer.
Comparison of Major Food Claims
| Feature | Health Claims | Structure-Function Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Approval | Requires FDA pre-approval based on significant scientific agreement. | No FDA pre-approval required for conventional foods; notification required for supplements. |
| Scientific Evidence | Requires substantial, publicly available scientific evidence. | Requires credible scientific evidence, but not submitted to the FDA for review. |
| Associated Condition | Links a substance to the reduced risk of a specific disease (e.g., osteoporosis). | Describes the role in maintaining normal body structure or function (e.g., "calcium builds strong bones"). |
| Required Disclaimer | Not required if authorized by FDA. | Required for dietary supplements; not required for conventional foods. |
Navigating Other Label Statements: Organic and 'Natural'
The term "organic" is highly regulated with specific standards and certification processes. Products labeled "organic" must meet strict production and processing standards. In contrast, "natural" is less regulated. The FDA defines it as products with no artificial or synthetic ingredients, but this isn't legally enforceable and doesn't cover aspects like pesticide use. Consumers should look beyond this term and consult resources like the FDA website for specific regulations.
Conclusion: Your Toolkit for Smarter Food Choices
Understanding food label claims is crucial. Nutrient content claims have specific criteria, health claims are government-regulated and disease-focused, and structure-function claims offer marketing flexibility but are less definitive, often requiring disclaimers. Terms like "organic" and "natural" have vastly different legal definitions. By recognizing these nuances, consumers can make informed decisions based on nutritional information and ingredient lists rather than just marketing hype.
