Health Claim Assessments

Substantiation of Health Claims (Scientific Evidence)

Health claims^{Footnote 1}  for food products must be truthful, and not misleading^{Footnote 2}  Scientific evidence is therefore required to substantiate all health claims appearing on food labelling and advertising. 

Guidance Documents for Preparing Health Claim Submissions were written to help ensure that health claims for foods are substantiated in a systematic, comprehensive and transparent manner. The guidance documents also suggest a format for compiling and recording the submission information.

These guidance documents are applicable to food health claims, with the exception of claims about a nutrient. For information on documenting the supporting evidence for new nutrient function claims, please refer to the  Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Publication of Health Claim Assessments

Once Health Canada has completed its review of the scientific evidence for a health claim, a summary of assessment will be posted below.

Health Claims Reviewed and Accepted^{Footnote 3} 

• Polysaccharide Complex (Glucomannan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Alginate) and a Reduction of the Post-Prandial Blood Glucose Response (2016)
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid and Triglyceride Lowering (2016)
• Polysaccharide Complex (Glucomannan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Alginate) and Cholesterol Lowering (2016)
• Vegetables and Fruit and Heart Disease (2016)
• Soy Protein and Cholesterol Lowering (2015)
• Ground Whole Flaxseed and Blood Cholesterol Lowering (2014)
• Sugar-Free Chewing Gum and Dental Caries Risk Reduction (2014)
• Barley Products and Blood Cholesterol Lowering (2012)
• Unsaturated Fat and Blood Cholesterol Lowering (2012)
• Psyllium Products and Blood Cholesterol Lowering (2011)
• Oat Products and Blood Cholesterol Lowering (2010)
• Plant Sterols (Phytosterols) (2010)
• Calcium and Osteoporosis (2000)
• Fruits, Vegetables and Cancer (2000)
• Dietary Fat, Saturated Fat, Cholesterol, Trans Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease (2000)
• Sodium and Hypertension (2000)

Health Claims Reviewed and not Accepted^{Footnote 4} 

• Whole Grains and Coronary Heart Disease (2012)
• Dietary Fat and Cancer (2005)
• Dietary Fibre, Grain Products and Cancer (2001)