The Global Regulatory Environment For Functional Food Products Is Complex, Ever Changing

Food companies commercializing new products that make health claims need to be sure they are paying close attention to the complex global regulatory environment in which they operate, according to Sandra Reis, a specialist in food product regulation. Regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are constantly changing as regulators react to new functional foods and natural health products that make health claims. As regulations evolve, companies need to be sure not only that their current product claims comply, but that the claims of new products are scientifically substantiated and will satisfy regulatory requirements. Reis reviews the current regulatory environment in the U.S., Canada, and Europe for claims such as reduction of disease risk, therapeutic benefits, and functional and general health benefits.