What is the process for approval for new health claims for food products?
At present, depending on the nature of the claim, there are different regulatory requirements. Some claims may be made without approval provided they are truthful and not misleading, whereas other claims are only allowed once a regulatory amendment specifying the conditions for their use has been made. For example, to make a new disease risk reduction claim, a regulatory amendment to the Food and Drug Regulations is required. Once a claim of this type is permitted by the Regulations, any food that meets the stated criteria may carry the claim using the prescribed wording for the claim. Function claims for nutrients, while also subject to regulations, have fewer requirements that must be met in order to make the claim. Health Canada’s Food Directorate will review requests for new nutrient function claims. Pre-market assessment of non-nutrient function claims is voluntary, however encouraged. General health claims, like all claims, are subject to the Food and Drugs Act which prohibits fa
