Table of Contents
Fundamentals
What Are Health Claims?
Health claims are health-related statements on food products. This includes all statements that establish a link between a food or one of its constituents and health.
Examples range from „Calcium is required for the maintenance of normal bones“ to „Vitamin C contributes to normal immune system function“. In the EU, such statements may only be used if they are explicitly authorised.
Good to Know
The legal basis is the Health Claims Regulation (HCVO) – Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. The specific authorised wording is listed in Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012.
Legal Framework
The Legal Framework
The HCVO distinguishes between three categories of claims: general health-related claims under Article 13, claims about reduction of disease risk under Article 14(1)(a), and claims about development and health in children under Article 14(1)(b). The database available here covers only the authorised general health-related claims.
For each authorised claim, the Regulation specifies precisely: the permitted wording, the conditions of use (e.g. minimum nutrient content), the target population and, where applicable, restrictions or mandatory warnings.
Practice
Permitted vs. Prohibited – Examples
Small deviations in wording can make the difference between a permissible and an actionable statement.
| Wording | Status | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| „Vitamin C contributes to normal immune system function“ | Permitted | Exact wording from Regulation (EU) 432/2012 |
| „Vitamin C strengthens the immune system“ | Not permitted | Not the authorised wording, suggests more than allowed |
| „Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones“ | Permitted | Exact wording, condition: 1.5 mg / daily dose |
| „This product protects against colds“ | Not permitted | Disease-related claim, not authorised as a health claim |
⚠ Caution
Even if the basic wording is correct, your product must meet the conditions of use (e.g. minimum content per 100 g or daily dose). If this is lacking, even an authorised claim is impermissible.
Tool
Health Claims Checker
Check directly which health-related claims are authorised for your nutrient.
Please note: The check is only available in German.
Health-Claims-Checker
Prüfen Sie, welche gesundheitsbezogenen Angaben gemäß VO (EU) Nr. 432/2012 zulässig sind.
Nährstoff oder Wirkung eingeben
Durchsuchen Sie 240 zugelassene Health Claims für 82 Nährstoffe gemäß EU-Verordnung.
Unsure about health claims?
As a specialised lawyer, I advise you on the legally compliant labelling of your products – including borderline cases.
Note: This overview is based on Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated version). It is provided solely for general guidance and without warranty. The search results do not constitute individual legal advice. For binding information, please contact me directly.
Risks
What Breaches Can Result In
The consequences of incorrect health claims range from competition law warnings from competitors or associations to criminal consequences.
Breaches are particularly frequently discovered in online trading – food safety authorities and competition associations systematically monitor online shops and online advertising.
When You Need a Lawyer
Already received a warning notice?
As a food law attorney, I support you in defending against and preventing claims violations.
Are you unsure whether your product labelling meets the requirements? I am happy to advise you on the compliant use of health claims and the prevention of warning notice risks.