Safety and Effectiveness of Food with Health Claims and Its Effective Use

Abstract

Foods that have beneficial effects on health have received great attention; various terms are used for such foods. Under the Health Promotion Act, foods that have been approved to state on the label that they promote and maintain health are known as "Food with Health Claims (FHC)," and are divided into three categories: Food with Specified Health Uses, Food with Nutrient Function Claims, and Food with Function Claims. Food labeling plays a major role in providing consumers with proper information when choosing the desired products; however, the food labeling system is complex and inadequately understood by consumers and potentially health professionals as well. This paper provides an overview of the actual state of safety and effectiveness of FHC and its proper use. To use FHC safely and effectively, it is necessary to understand four basic things: how it differs from drugs, evidence for safety and effectiveness, limitations of claimed benefits, and how to use it safely and successfully. As inappropriate use of FHC will cause damage to consumers' health, it is necessary to provide evidence-based information via an online database and share such information with consumers and health professionals. Also, it is helpful to collect and evaluate adverse effects suspected to be caused by FHC as a post-marketing severance. FHC should be used for "recognition" of the importance of lifestyle habits and "awareness" of improvement. If it can be put into practice, consuming FHC is useful for many people and can contribute to prevent increasing medical costs.