About nutrition content claims
A nutrition content claim states how much of a nutrient is in a food product. Any nutrition information on food labels is considered to be a nutrition content claim. For example:
- contains vitamin C
- low in sugar
- gluten-free
- now with reduced salt.
Requirements for making a nutrition content claim
Foods must meet certain requirements to carry a nutrition content claim. These requirements are specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 of the Food Standards Code.
Nutrition, health and related claims – Australian Federal Register of Legislation
Examples of requirements for nutrition claims
Requirements are different for each type of claim.
- To be a "source of vitamin C" a product serving must contain 10% of the recommended daily intake, or 25% to be a "good source".
- To be "with reduced salt" a product must contain at least 25% less salt than an appropriate reference food. A reference food can be a previous version of the same product or a similar product from a leading brand.
Guidance documents for making a nutrition content claim
Getting your claims right: A guide to complying with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Regulations for making a nutrition claim
All nutrition content claims must comply with Standard 1.2.7.
Health Claims Regulations: Standard 1.2.7
Who to contact
If you have questions about making a nutrition content claim, email health.claims@mpi.govt.nz
