Health Claims

Under the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims, a health claim is any claim that states, suggests or implies that a relationship exists between a food, food category or one of its constituents and health. For example, a nutrient’s contribution to the normal function of bones, the immune system or the digestive system is a health claim.

Permitted Claims

Health claims are limited to scientifically assessed claims on the statutory lists. Conditions of use are set for each claim: the product must contain a certain amount of the nutrient concerned, the claim must be used in a specified wording and additional warnings may be required. A claim not on the list may not be used without the scientific assessment process set by the competent authority.

Prohibited Claims

• Claims that a food prevents, treats or cures a disease,
• Statements suggesting that a balanced and varied diet cannot provide sufficient nutrients,
• Statements referring to the rate or amount of weight loss,
• False statements of endorsement by a doctor or health professional,
• Statements suggesting that not consuming the food could harm health.

In Advertising

In advertising containing health claims, the claim must match the listed wording and not be exaggerated. Presenting a permitted claim such as “contributes to the normal function of the immune system” as “protects you from illness” in an ad turns it into a disease claim. The rules on the burden of proof in advertising also apply.

Related Products

Food supplements are the products where health claims are used most. Products that are neither medicines nor foods but are marketed with health claims are subject to the Regulation on Health Claims of Products Marketed with Health Claims, and permission from the competent authority is required for their claims. For claims on nutrient content, see Nutrition Claims.