Health Claims Regulation

FDA will not object to limited health claims regarding cocoa flavanols and cardiovascular disease

06-Feb-2023 By Lauren Nardella

FDA will allow a very narrow set of claims linking cocoa flavanols in high flavanol cocoa powder and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease following a petition from Switzerland-based chocolate and cocoa product manufacturer Barry Callebaut AG.

MLM cited for continued claims to treat autism, dementia, other conditions

27-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

An MLM that sells dietary supplements has been advised to remove claims relating to conditions such as autism, dementia and other disorders from the social media posts managed by distributors.

Gummy maker directed to drop health claim linked to apple cider vinegar content

28-Jan-2022 By Hank Schultz

A manufacturer’s claim that its apple cider vinegar gummies contain a health-promoting dose of the ingredient has been rejected by the National Advertising Division.

FTC fines firm $1.3 million over fraudulent pain, healthy aging supplements

26-Oct-2021 By Hank Schultz

FTC announced it is sending out more than $1.1 million in compensation to consumers were deceived by fraudulently marketed pain management and healthy aging supplements.

NAD recommends Goli modify, discontinue health claims

25-Mar-2021 By Danielle Masterson

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Goli Nutrition Inc. modify its Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Gummies "Vitamin B12 to help support energy production" claim to make it clear that Goli is referring...

FDA cites Mercola for alleged COVID-19 treatment claims

08-Mar-2021 By Hank Schultz

Among three warning letters sent recently to dietary supplement marketers over alleged COVID-19 treatment claims was one headline name: Dr Joseph Mercola. FDA alleges he claimed several supplement products can treat or prevent viral infections.

NAD supports claims being made by ‘medical probiotic’ manufacturer

03-Mar-2021 By Hank Schultz

Probiotics manufacturer Pendulum Therapeutics Inc. got some welcome news today when the National Advertising Division announced that it has found that the claims the company makes for dietary control of Type 2 diabetes are supported by scientific evidence.

COVID-19 warning letter flood slows to trickle

28-Jan-2021 By Hank Schultz

The rate at which warning letters are being issued for illegal COVID-19 claims has slowed dramatically since FDA and FTC began cooperating on the enforcement action in March of 2020.

FDA takes aim at claims for infant food allergy prevention

23-Oct-2020 By Hank Schultz

The US Food and Drug Administration has taken action against two companies that claim their products can help prevent children from developing food allergies. The claims turn the products into unapproved drugs, the Agency claims.

NutraCast Podcast: Are brands responsible for consumer reviews? Atty Marc Ullman weighs in

04-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

When it comes to discussing immunity and other health claims, marketers have to be cautious, especially in the current climate. A recent National Advertising Division (NAD) decision stated this is an “unprecedented time” and declared it would fulfill...

FTC to marketers: Stop making unsupported COVID treatment claims

17-Aug-2020 By Danielle Masterson

The Federal Trade Commission has sent another round of warning letters to marketers making unsubstantiated COVID-19 health claims. The FTC’s message is simple: Prove it or remove it.

Commentary article of the week

Pandemic could be lever to open up new era in health claims

31-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

The dietary supplement industry has an opportunity to help shape the debate about optimal health in wake of the pandemic crisis.

FTC ramps up enforcement with new wave of warning letters

08-Jun-2020 By Danielle Masterson

As Americans begin to emerge from quarantine and many cities begin the process of getting back to ‘normal,’ the FTC continues to keep an eye on companies making unsupported coronavirus claims.

FTC sends $470k in refunds to consumers defrauded by aloe vera supplement marketer

27-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

The Federal Trade Commission continues to be vigilant in policing health-related claims, after announcing over 22,580 refund checks would be mailed this week to consumers nationwide.

Despite coronavirus dislocations, FDA, FTC not taking foot off compliance pedal

18-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have suspended all routine plant inspections, but dietary supplement producers are still expected to remain in compliance. In the meantime, the Federal Trade Commission has sent another 37 warning letters over...

Regulators using ever more powerful microscopes to look for disease claims, attorney says

01-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

Marketers of natural products need to be on their best behavior during this pandemic crisis as regulatory authorities comb through every aspect of a company’s marketing to look for disease claims, an attorney says.

Editor's Spotlight

AOR founder: ‘I believe that ‘Made in Canada’ is a selling point’

04-Apr-2019 By Adi Menayang

Dr Traj Nibber, trained as a pharmacist, moved from the UK to Canada to start a pharmacy in 1989. Realizing that it’s hard to compete against the big chains, he shifted focus to supplements.

Dispatches from the NI Health Claims 2010 conference

Article 13.4 offers rejected health claims hope

17-Dec-2009 By Shane Starling

European Union health claims handed negative opinions by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) may be able to resubmit data under an article of the nutrition and health claims regulation, according to a European Commission official.

Coping with health claim hurt

08-Dec-2008

One of the most fiercely debated and amended pieces of European Union food law history is playing out before our eyes, and its effects are beginning to be felt.