Nutrient Function Claims

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B.01.311 - Nutrient Function Claims

Nutrient Function claims and source levels of a nutrient

Q1. When making a nutrient function claim, must the food be a source of the nutrient?

The food must meet a source level for nutrient function claims for protein (B.01.305) and for vitamin and mineral nutrients (D.01.004 and D.02.002). However currently, for the other nutrients that have permitted nutrient function claims, a source level is not required under the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). The list of acceptable nutrient function claims is found in section 8.5 of the Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising.

Nutrient Function claims and children under 2

Q1. May function claims be used on foods for children less than 2 years old?

There is no prohibition in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) against the use of biological role claims for foods for children less than 2 years of age, including infant formula. However, Health Canada may review this policy in light of the Codex standards and the international prohibition against making nutritional and health claims, including function claims, for infant formula.