Nutrition claims
For example describing a product as "light" og "fat free". EU has adopted specific rules on this subject, se Energy labels. Here is a brief description of the rules on claims which have been applicable since 19 January 2007.
A producer may only use the following claims if the minimum conditions are fulfilled.
Low energy - the product may not contain more than 40 kcal (170 kJ)/100 g for solids or more than 20 kcal (80 kJ)/100 ml for liquids.
Energy-reduced - minimum reduction 30%
Energy-free - maximum 4 kcal (17 kJ)/100ml. For table-top sweeteners the limit of 0,4 kcal/portion (approximately one teaspoon of sucrose).
Low-fat - maximum 3g of fat per 100g for solids or 1,5g of fat per 100ml for liquids (1,8g of fat per 100ml for semi-skimmed milk).
Fat-free - maximum 0,5g of fat per 100g or 100ml.
Low-saturated fat - maximum 1,5g per 100g for solids or 0,75g/100 ml for liquids.
Saturated fat-free - maximum 0,1g of saturated fat per 100g or 100ml.
Low sugar - maximum 5g of sugar per 100g for solids or 2,5g of sugar per 100ml for liquids.
Sugar-free - maximum 0,5g of sugar per 100g or 100ml.
With no sugar added - only where the product does not contain any additions. If sugars are naturally present in the food, the following indication should also appear on the label: "CONTAINS NATURALLY OCCURRING SUGARS".
Low sodium/salt - maximum 0,12g of sodium or salt per 100g or per 100ml.
Very low sodium/salt - maximum 0,04g of sodium or salt per 100g or per 100ml.
Sodium-free or salt-free - maximum 0,005g of sodium or salt per 100g or per 100ml.
Source of fibre - at least 3g of fibre per 100g or at least 1,5g of fibre per 100 kcal.
High fibre - at least 6g of fibre per 100g or at least 3g of fibre per 100 kcal.
Source of protein - at least 12 % of the energy value of the food is provided by protein.
High protein - at least 20%.
Vitamins and other ingredients - special rules.
Increased - increased by at least 30%.
Light/lite - reduction by at least 30% compared the the original state. This means that the product may still contain too much fat.
Naturally/natural - where a product naturally fulfils the conditions applicable.
Links
Link to regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods
See also Nutrition labels
