Tip of the Day
Health Claims
Health claims on foods link the food or its ingredients with a lowered risk for some chronic disease. Health claims are strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are supported by scientific evidence.
Food packages may carry other attention-grabbing “claims” but they are marketing terms and not FDA regulated health claims.
These are among the marketing terms that may catch your eye but have no current government-regulated definitions:
- Doctor-recommended
- Eco-friendly
- Energy
- Green
- Naturally raised, naturally grown
- Natural (except for the term’s regulated use on meat and poultry)
- High-quality
- Local
- No additives
- Sustainable
- Wholesome
Always read the labels to determine exactly what is in the food you’re buying instead of falling for eye-catching claims on the package.
For more information on how to navigate food labels, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit our Nutrition Facts Panel section.
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Reviewed November 2012