Analysis of health claims

Health claim analysis assesses a product's compliance with the European regulatory framework, particularly Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, which strictly governs the use of nutrition and health claims. This service is designed for manufacturers, formulators, and distributors who wish to highlight the health benefits of their products while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements. It covers the human food, nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and plant-based raw materials sectors.

Objectives and regulatory challenges

The main objective of this analysis is to determine whether the benefits highlighted for a product can be claimed based on its actual composition. The use of health or nutritional claims requires adherence to specific criteria: presence of sufficient quantities of active ingredients, compliance with reference intakes, scientific validation of the effects, and conformity with the list of authorized claims or those pending evaluation. Non-compliance can lead to the withdrawal of the claim, a modification of the labeling, or the risk of penalties in the event of misleading communication. Analyzing claims allows for anticipating these risks and ensuring scientifically validated marketing positioning.

Progress of the analysis

This service typically involves several steps. The first step consists of analyzing the nutritional and functional composition of the product: vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, fiber, amino acids, polyphenols, plant extracts, or other active ingredients likely to have a physiological effect. The second step involves comparing this composition with the regulatory thresholds defined by the European Union. For example, certain claims such as “high in fiber,” “source of Omega-3,” “helps reduce fatigue,” or “promotes normal energy-yielding metabolism” require reaching strictly defined minimum levels. Finally, a regulatory review confirms whether the desired claim is included in the list of authorized, rejected, or pending EFSA claims.

Depending on the client's needs, the analysis may include a recommendation on potential claims, formulation validation, or support in creating or revising regulatory labeling. Some requests also require a review of the product's overall nutritional profile to verify the consistency between its composition and consumer communication.

Relevant matrices and industrial applications

The analysis applies to a wide variety of products: dry or liquid food supplements, standardized plant extracts, fortified foods, functional beverages, nutritional powders, dietetic products, animal feed, and formulations for specialized markets. It is particularly relevant when launching a new product, during a marketing repositioning, or when a formula change requires a reassessment of claims. Many manufacturers also use this service to ensure the security of their regulatory documentation prior to internal audits, DGCCRF inspections, or export filings.

Interest for manufacturers and distributors

Analyzing a product's health claims reduces regulatory risk, strengthens the scientific credibility of marketing communications, and ensures that the stated benefits are based on measurable data. This process also allows for the optimization of formulations by adjusting the levels of active ingredients to meet the thresholds required for a specific claim. Finally, it provides a strategic tool for differentiating a product in a highly competitive market, where regulatory compliance has become a key element in building trust among consumers and business partners.

YesWeLab Support

YesWeLab relies on a network of specialized laboratories for nutritional, physicochemical, and regulatory analyses, selected for their expertise and compliance with current standards, including ISO 17025 and COFRAC. Our digital platform allows manufacturers to centralize their analytical needs, track their samples, and easily access results. Our scientific team supports each project by identifying appropriate methods, optimizing analysis plans, and providing regulatory support when necessary. This support ensures the reliability of measurements, the compliance of claims, and the safety of market entry. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research and development firms have relied on YesWeLab to secure their formulations and regulatory dossiers.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• Vitamin analysis
• Polyphenol assay
• Amino acid and fatty acid profile