HELENA S. ALCARAZ, RND, MSc.

�FDA Philippines has adopted the

Codex Guidelines on use of Health and

Nutrition Claims since January 2007

�These guidelines shall be used in

addition to the existing national laws

on labelling

�The only nutrition claims allowed are

those relating to the energy, protein,

carbohydrate, fat and its components,

fiber, sodium, vitamins and minerals

with Nutrient Reference Value (NRV)with Nutrient Reference Value (NRV)

�The NRV is based on the local RDA or the

Recommended Energy and Nutrient

Intake (RENI)

�Nutrient content claims should conform

to the Table of Conditions for nutrient

content.

Example:

Claim Conditions (not > than)

Low Fat 3 g per 100 g (solids)Low Fat 3 g per 100 g (solids)

1.5. g per 100 ml (liquids)

Fat Free 0.5 g per 100 g (solids)

or per 100 ml (liquids)

�Where a food is by its nature low in or

free of the nutrient that is the subject of

the claim, the term describing the

nutrient should not precede the name of nutrient should not precede the name of

the food but will be expressed as the

following: for example, “ a low calorie

food”, “ a cholesterol-free food’

CONDITIONS FOR COMPARATIVE

CLAIMS:

� State the amount of difference in the

energy value or nutrient content.

Indicate the following:Indicate the following:

a) The amount of difference related to the

same quantity (%, fraction or amount).

Full details should be given.

b) The identity of the food to which the

food is being compared

�Relative difference of at least 25% in the

energy value or nutrient content. 10%

difference for micronutrient between the

compared food and a minimum absolute compared food and a minimum absolute

difference in the energy value or nutrient

content

�The criteria for the claims “light” and

“reduced” are the same.

CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH CLAIMS:

� -Must be based on current relevant and

scientific facts and the level of proof is

sufficient to support the claimed effect

and the relationship to health.and the relationship to health.

� -Must be acceptable to the competent

authority where the food is sold.

� -The claimed benefit should arise from

the consumption of a reasonable quantity

of the food or food constituent.

� -If the claimed benefit is attributed to a

nutrient with established reference

value, the food should be:

1. Source of or high in the 1. Source of or high in the

nutrient/constituent

2. Low in or reduced in or free of the

nutrient/food constituent

� Only those essential nutrients for

which Nutrient Reference Values have

been established should be the subject

of a nutrient function claim.

� -Should have a clear regulatory

framework for qualifying and/or

disqualifying conditions for eligibility to

use. Claims that increase the risk of use. Claims that increase the risk of

disease or adverse health-related

conditions are prohibited.

� - Must have a validated method to

quantify the food constituent that forms

the basis of the claim.

� Statement of the quantity of any nutrient

or other constituent of the food

�The target group if appropriate

�How to use the food to obtain the claimed �How to use the food to obtain the claimed

benefit & other lifestyle factors or other

dietary sources, where appropriate.

� If appropriate, advice to vulnerable

groups on how to use the food & to

groups, if any who need to avoid the food.

:

�Maximum safe intake of the food or food

constituent

How the food or food constituent fits �How the food or food constituent fits

within the context of the total diet.

� Statement on the importance of

maintaining a healthy diet.

�Enriched or fortified foods

� Bottled Water specifically mineral water

�Concept of Nutrient Profiling or Sign

Posting is relatively new in the regulation

of nutrition labeling of food products

being distributed in the Philippines

�There is a need to conduct local

assessment studies to determine the

impact of sign posting to consumers and

provide insight on the added benefit, if

any

�Mandatory Nutrition Labelling is currently being proposed by the Department of Health. However, there are several factors to consider before it will be imposed.will be imposed.

� The use of sign posting on the labels maybe considered based on the results of consumer research studies. However, the use will be on a voluntary basis.

�Good for You Seal-pass the criteria for the levels of fat, sodium, fiber and sugar