Prohibited Claims on Food Labels
Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international standards such as those from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) strictly regulate food label claims. While some claims about nutrients or authorized health benefits are allowed, many others are restricted or illegal due to their potential to mislead consumers or harm public health. A key prohibition involves claims that market a food as if it were a drug or medical treatment.
Disease Cure or Treatment Claims
A food label cannot claim a product can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a disease. Such claims would classify the product as a drug, requiring it to meet stringent FDA drug approval standards. For instance, a food cannot be marketed as a "cure for cancer" or a "treatment for diabetes". This rule prevents consumers from choosing unproven food products over necessary medical treatments. Any claims using words like “treats,” “cures,” or “prevents” in relation to diseases are not permitted.
Unsubstantiated “Miracle” Promises
Claims that promote a food as a "miracle cure" or a significant "scientific breakthrough" for various health problems are often linked to fraudulent health schemes and are not allowed on food labels. These claims typically lack credible scientific backing and are intended to deceive consumers. The FDA has issued warnings about such bogus products, particularly those sold online.
Vague and Undefined Healthwashing Terms
Food companies sometimes use broad or undefined terms to create a perception of healthiness, a practice known as "healthwashing". Many of these terms are not regulated and can be misleading, blurring the line between legal marketing and false advertising.
- “Natural”: The FDA has not formally defined "natural," making it a frequently misused term. It doesn't guarantee a product's healthfulness or absence of synthetic components and can even appear on processed foods.
- “Lightly sweetened”: This term also lacks a specific FDA definition and doesn't assure a low sugar content. Consumers should check the Nutrition Facts panel for actual added sugar amounts.
- “Made with real fruit”: This claim can be misleading as it doesn't specify the amount of fruit. A product might contain minimal fruit concentrate while being high in sugar.
Inherently Misleading Claims
Some claims are prohibited because they are inherently deceptive. An example is labeling a plant-based item like peanut butter or vegetable oil as “no cholesterol”. Since cholesterol is exclusive to animal products, this statement is obvious but is used to imply a false health advantage. Regulators view this as misleading because it suggests a unique benefit the product shares with all similar plant-based items.
Outbound Link Reference
To learn more about FDA food labeling rules, including different claim types like health claims, nutrient content claims, and structure/function claims, the Food and Drug Administration's official guidance is an excellent resource.
Comparison of Permitted vs. Illegal Claims
| Feature | Permitted/Authorized Claims | Illegal/Prohibited Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Links a nutrient or food to a health-related condition or bodily function. | Links a food to the cure, treatment, or prevention of a disease. |
| Scientific Support | Must be supported by significant scientific agreement or substantial credible evidence, as verified by regulatory bodies. | Based on anecdotal evidence, testimonials, or vague scientific jargon. |
| Labeling | Uses specific, authorized wording and may require disclaimers, especially for qualified claims. | Uses definitive terms like "cures," "treats," or "prevents" related to disease. |
| Marketing Terms | Uses defined terms like "low-fat" or "sugar-free," which meet specific regulatory criteria. | Uses undefined or vague buzzwords like "natural" or "lightly sweetened" to imply health benefits without scientific backing. |
Conclusion
The most significant type of claim not allowed on a food label is a drug-like claim asserting the ability to cure, treat, or prevent a disease. Such claims require the product to be regulated as a drug, not food. Additionally, vague or unsubstantiated claims like "miracle cure" or misleading uses of terms such as "natural" are prohibited or carefully evaluated. Understanding these rules empowers consumers to make informed food choices and ensures manufacturers are truthful in their labeling.
