NOURISHING and MOVING policy databases

Nutrient content lists – Australia

In Australia, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient contents lists – Austria 

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

Nutrient content lists – Bahamas

In the Bahamas, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Belgium

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml. In addition to the six mandatory nutrients, the following nutrients may also be listed: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starch and fibre. Minerals and vitamins may also be mentioned if they are present in significant amounts. Online sales are also covered by this regulation.

EU nutrient content lists – Bulgaria

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

Nutrient content lists – Canada

In Canada, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Chile

In Chile, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – China

In China, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Colombia

In Colombia, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Croatia

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Cyprus

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Czech Republic

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Denmark

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food. In Denmark, the regulation’s implementation is under the remit of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA).

The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients shall be given per 100 g or 100 ml of the food as sold. In addition to the six mandatory nutrients, the following nutrients may also be listed: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starch and fibre. Minerals and vitamins may also be mentioned if they are present in significant amounts. Online sales are also covered by this regulation.

Nutrient content lists – Ecuador

In Ecuador, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – El Salvador

In El Salvador, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Estonia

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Finland

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – France

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Germany

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.

EU nutrient content lists – Greece

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.

Nutrient content lists – Guatemala

In Guatemala, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Gulf Cooperation Council 

In the Gulf Cooperation Council, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Nutrient content lists – Honduras

In Honduras, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Hungary

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Iceland 

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. The EU Regulation applies in Iceland as part of its membership on the European Economic Area.

Nutrient content lists – India

In India, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Indonesia

In Indonesia, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

EU nutrient content lists – Ireland 

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

Nutrient content lists – Israel 

In Israel, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Italy

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

Nutrient content lists – Japan

In Japan, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Latvia

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Liechtenstein

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.  The EU Regulation applies in Liechtenstein as part of its membership on the European Economic Area.

EU nutrient content lists – Lithuania

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrients content lists – Luxembourg

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.

The Malaysian Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims

In Malaysia, a nutrient list detailing energy, protein, carbohydrates and fat per 100g/100ml and per serving must be provided on select categories of packaged food, including bread, confectionery, dairy products, canned food, fruit juices, salad dressings and mayonnaise; ready-to-drink beverages must also include total sugars. A nutrient list is also mandatory for any product bearing a nutrition claim, products with added vitamins and minerals, and special purpose food for infants and young children. Details are provided in the Malaysian Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims (2010), which reflects labelling legislation from 2003 (as incorporated into the Food Act of 1983 and Food Regulations of 1985) and subsequent amendments.

EU nutrient content lists – Malta

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

Nutrient content lists – Mexico

In Mexico, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrients content lists – Netherlands

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. In the Netherlands, the regulation has been translated into the Commodities Act Decree on Food Information (WIL).

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises the implementation of mandatory nutrient declarations on pre-packaged products. The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml. In addition to the 6 mandatory nutrients, the following nutrients may also be listed: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starch and fibre. Minerals and vitamins may also be mentioned if they are present in significant amounts. Online sales are also covered by this regulation.

Nutrient content lists – New Zealand

In New Zealand, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Norway

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.  The EU Regulation applies in Norway as part of its membership on the European Economic Area.

In Norway, the Food Information Regulations outline how this regulation is applied. The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml. The label must be easily legible and clearly visible, and the text must be in Norwegian or a similar language. Exceptions to these rules include, among other foods: fruits, berries, vegetables, meats, fish, eggs and nuts that are unprocessed; water with or without carbonic acid; spices or spice mixtures as well as salt; coffee and tea; foods in small packages (less than 25 cm2); alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.2% by volume of alcohol.

The manufacturer can also disclose the content of some other substances, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Nutrients that are voluntary to declare:

- monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starches or dietary fibre;

- vitamins and minerals, provided they are present in "substantial amounts", i.e., 15% of the reference value for foods, and 7.5% of the reference value for drinks;

- nutrients other than those listed above (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids) cannot be stated in the nutrition declaration itself, but can be stated, preferably in the vicinity of the nutritional declaration.

Supplemental information, that apply to both packaged and unpackaged foods, include: allergen information and the designation and country of origin for fresh fruit and vegetables. In some cases, varieties must also be given. Further, radiation and genetic modification information must be given for all products.

Nutrient content lists – Paraguay

In Paraguay, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Philipines 

In the Philippines, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

EU nutrient content lists – Poland

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Portugal

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars and protein. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml.

The Agency responsible with implementing this regulatuin in Portugal is the Economic and Food Safety Authority.

EU nutrient content lists – Romania

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml. In addition to the 6 mandatory nutrients, the following nutrients may also be listed: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starch and fibre. Minerals and vitamins may also be mentioned if they are present in significant amounts. Online sales are also covered by this regulation.

Nutrient content lists – Russia

In Russia, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

EU nutrient content lists – Slovakia

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Slovenia

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

The Foods Labelling Standards & The Labelling Standard for Health Functional Food 

In South Korea, a nutrient list must be provided on select categories of pre-packaged food, including cookies/candies/popsicles, breads and dumplings, cocoa products, jams, oils, noodles and pasta, drinks and beverages, and food of special use. The Foods Labelling Standards were first enacted in 1996, and the Labelling Standard for Health Functional Food in 2004; both Standards have been revised several times since then. Based on the 1st Master Plan on Reducing Sugar Intake 2016–20 and the 2016 White Paper by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, further categories will be required to bear nutrient lists with a three-stage implementation between 2017 and 2022 (including cereals, ready-to-eat products and ready-to-cook products in 2017; dressings and sauces in 2018–19; Korean-style boiled grain-/meat-/fish-based food and processed food based on fruit or vegetable purees/pastes in 2020–22).

EU nutrient content lists – Spain

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016. 

EU nutrient content lists – Sweden 

EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.  In Sweden, the Swedish Food Agency is responsible for the implementation of this regulation.

The mandatory nutrition declaration provides information on the contents of: energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. The content of energy and the amount of nutrients is given per 100 g or 100 ml. In addition to the 6 mandatory nutrients, the following nutrients may also be listed: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, polyols, starch and fibre. Minerals and vitamins may also be mentioned if they are present in significant amounts. Online sales are also covered by this regulation.

EU nutrient content lists – Switzerland

Nutrient content labelling is only mandatory for products bearing nutrient or health claims or sold to the EU (but most manufacturers already label nutrient content on their food products voluntarily).

Nutrient content lists – Taiwan

In Taiwan, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Thailand

In Thailand, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrition declaration – UK

The EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers (EU FIC) requires a nutrition declaration (list of the nutrient content) for most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack. The EU FIC is enforced in England by The Food Information Regulations of 2014 (a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs lead). Similar legislation applies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mandatory (“back of pack”) nutrition declaration applies to most prepacked food. It is mandatory to declare energy value in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal); and the amounts in grams (g) of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt. Exemptions are outlined in Annex V of EU FIC and included minimally processed foods and those with little nutritional value or that do not change the nutritional values of food products. The manufacturer can also choose to disclose the content of some other substances: mono-unsaturates; poly-unsaturates; polyols; starch; fibre; and selected vitamins or minerals provided they are present in "substantial amounts", i.e., 15% of the reference value for foods, and 7.5% of the reference value for drinks.

Nutrient content lists - USA

In the US, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). 

Nutrient content lists – Uruguay

In Uruguay, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Nutrient content lists - Venezuela

In Venezuela, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Trans fat labeling – Argentina

In Argentina, the Nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product).

Trans fat labeling – Canada

Nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – Chile

In Chile, nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, in Nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – Paraguay

In Paraguay, lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – South Korea

In South Korea, nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – Taiwan

In Taiwan, nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – USA

In the USA, Nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). 

Trans fat labeling – Uruguay

In Uruguay, nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product).  

The Health Star Rating (HSR)

In 2014, the Australia government implemented a Health Star Rating (HSR) system as a voluntary scheme for industry adoption. It is a joint Australian, state and territory governments and New Zealand government initiative developed in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups. The HSR system takes into account four aspects of a food associated with increasing risk for chronic diseases; energy, saturated fat, sodium and total sugars content along with certain "positive" aspects of a food such as its content of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and, in some instances, dietary fibre and protein. Star ratings range from ½ star (least healthy) to 5 stars (most healthy). Implementation is overseen by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation, the Front-of-Pack Labelling Steering Committee, the Trans-Tasman Health Star Rating Advisory Committee, the New Zealand Health Star Rating Advisory Group and a Technical Advisory Group.

Evaluations

Jones A et al. (2019) The performance and potential of the Australasian Health Star Rating system: a four-year review using the RE-AIM framework. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 43(4), 355-365.

Jones A et al. (2018) Uptake of Australia Health Star Rating System. Nutrients, 10(8), 997.

Bablani, L et al. (2020). The impact of voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling on packaged food reformulation: A different-in-differences analysis of the Australisian Health Star Rating scheme. PLoS Medicine, 17(11), e1003427

Nutri–Score – Belgium

The Nutri-Score logo was adopted in Belgium as of April 2019. Created in France, the logo is present on the front of the packaging to better inform consumers about the nutritional value of foods. The Nutri-Score is calculated using a scientifically validated method. To obtain the final product score per 100 g or 100 ml, the calculation takes into account elements to promote (the content of fruits and vegetables, legumes, fibres, nuts and proteins)and elements to limit (the content of sugars, salt, saturated fat and calories).

The Healthier Choice Symbol

The Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam introduced a Healthier Choice Symbol in February 2017. Products bearing the logo indicate that the products meet a set of nutrient criteria, which were adapted from Singapore’s Healthier Choice Symbol Nutrient Guidelines. Nutrient criteria exist for >60 sub-categories of foods and beverages. Food and beverages manufacturers wishing to use the symbol must acquire a food analysis report from an accredited food testing laboratory to submit with their application, which is reviewed by the Healthier Choice Committee. Approved products are permitted to use the Ministry of Health’s Healthier Choice Symbol and specific nutrition claims (eg. “lower in saturated fat”, “higher in calcium").

Law on Nutritional Composition of Food and its Advertising (Ley 20.606) 

In 2012, the Chilean government approved a Law of Nutritional Composition of Food and its Advertising (Ley 20.606). In June 2015, the Chilean authority approved the regulatory norms required for the law’s implementation (Diario Oficial No 41.193) which came into effect on 27 June 2016. The regulatory norms define limits for calories (275 calories/100g or 70 calories/100ml), saturated fat (4g/100g or 3g/100ml), sugar (10g/100g or 5g/100ml) and sodium (400mg/100g or 100mg/100ml) content considered “high” in food and beverages. All food and beverages that exceed these limits are required to have a front-of-package black and white warning message inside a stop sign that reads “HIGH IN” followed by CALORIES, SATURATED FAT, CALORIES, SUGAR or SODIUM, as well as “Ministry of Health”. A warning message will be added to products per category that exceeds the limit (eg a product high in fat and sugar will have two stop signs). The regulatory norms provide specifications for the size, font and placement of the warning message on products. The limits for calories, saturated fat, sugar and sodium will be implemented using an incremental approach, reaching the defined limits by 1 July 2018 (see "O – Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings" and “R – Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion” for details of the law's school food and advertising restrictions).

Evaluations

Taillie LS et al. (2020) An evaluation of Chile’s Law of Food Labeling and Advertising on sugar-sweetened beverage purchases from 2015 to 2017: A before-and-after study. PLoS medicine, 17(2), e1003015.

Correa T et al. (2019) Responses to the Chilean law of food labeling and advertising: exploring knowledge, perceptions and behaviors of mothers of young children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1), 21.

Jensen ML et al. (2019) Snacking patterns among Chilean children and adolescents: is there potential for improvement? Public health nutrition, 22(15), 2803-12.

Rebolledo N et al. (2019) Dietary Intake by Food Source and Eating Location in Low-and Middle-Income Chilean Preschool Children and Adolescents from Southeast Santiago. Nutrients, 11(7), 1695.

Massri C et al. (2019) Impact of the Food-Labeling and Advertising Law Banning Competitive Food and Beverages in Chilean Public Schools, 2014-2016. American Journal of Public Health, 109(9), 1249-1254.

The "Healthy Living" Guarantee Mark 

In 2015, the Croatian Government introduced a voluntary front of pack nutrition label called the “Healthy Living" Guarantee Mark. The logo is a green coloured cloud image accompanied by the name of the Croatian Institute of Public Health written in Croatian. Nutrient criteria for the "Healthy Living" Guarantee Mark is based on the recommended daily intake of energy and selected nutrients (total fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, salt) per adult (EU Directive on the provision of food information to consumers No. 1169 /2011, Annex XIII, Part B, Regulations on the provision of food information to consumers (OG 8/2013)). There are nine groups of products (milk and dairy products; fats and oils; fruits, vegetables and their products; beverages – water and tea included; cereals and grain products; confectionery; meat, fish and processed meats and fish; pre-prepared meals; other) included in the nutrition profiling system. Nutrients considered include total fat, saturated fat, trans fatty acids, sugar, sodium, fibre, added aroma and preservatives. The aim of the logo is to; stimulate food companies to improve and reformulate the composition of their products; encourage healthy product promotion; help consumers quickly identify healthier options when making food purchases; and facilitate purchasing decisions.

The Choices logo –  Czech Republic

The Choices logo, a voluntary, industry-initiated scheme, was introduced in the Czech Republic in 2011. The logo identifies healthier options in each food group. Products must meet nutritional criteria set by an independent scientific committee. It received EU approval for use in 2013.

The Whole Grain Logo 

The Danish Whole Grain logo was launched in January 2009. It was developed by the Danish Whole Grain Partnership, which is comprised of the Danish Food Administration and Health NGOs (the Danish Cancer Society, the Danish Heart Foundation and the Danish Diabetes Association) and commercial partners (millers, bread, rice, pasta producers, retailers, craft bakeries and cereal producers). The Partnership aims to increase the availability of whole grain products and enhance knowledge of the positive effects of whole grain. Products must meet nutritional criteria set by a working group of the Partnership chaired by the Danish Food Administration that includes representatives from all types of partner organisations. In addition, products bearing the Whole Grain logo must also fulfill the Nordic Keyhole’s nutrient profile to ensure the logo does not appear on products high in fat, sugar and/or salt. It is mandatory for products bearing the Whole Grain logo to include this statement: “The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration recommends 75g whole grain per day as part of a varied diet” and “This product contains XXg whole grain per 100g”. A logo manual covers all aspects of use and promotion of the Whole Grain logo.

Evaluations

Greve C & Neess RI (2014) The Evolution of the Whole Grain Partnership in Denmark. Copenhagen Business School & the Danish Whole Grain Partnership, Frederiksberg.

The Keyhole Logo 

The Keyhole was launched as the official nutrition label in Denmark in 2009. As od 2021, the Keyhole can be found on more than 4000 pre-packaged foods. The label is a positive voluntary labelling scheme with 32 categories. Snack foods such as confectionary, sweet drinks, crisps and cakes cannot use the label. Criteria are based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and are set to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain and dietary fibre and decrease the intake of fat, especially saturated fat, added sugar and salt.

El Reglamento de Etiquetado de Alimentos Procesados (No. 4522) 

A regulation of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador published in November 2013 (No. 4522, El Reglamento de Etiquetado de Alimentos Procesados) requires packaged food to carry a “traffic light” label in which the levels of fats, sugar and salt are indicated by red (high), orange (medium) or green (low). Full compliance with the regulation was required by 29 August 2014.

Evaluations

Freire WB et al. (2017) A qualitative study of consumer perceptions and use of traffic light food labelling in Ecuador. Public health nutrition, 20(5), 805-813.

Warning labels on high–salt food 

National legislation regarding the compulsory use of warning labels on high-salt food in Finland has been in place since 1993. The legislation is applied to all the food categories that make a substantial contribution to the salt intake of the Finnish population. Food that is high in salt is required to carry a "high salt content" warning if the salt content is more than 1.1% in bread, 2% in sausages, 2.2% in cold meat cuts, 2% in fish products, 1.4% in cheese, 1.2% in ready to eat meals, and 1.4% in breakfast cereals or crisp bread. These limits were last updated in December 2016 and since then also apply to unpackaged cheese, sausages, and other meat products, where the information must be communicated in writing at the retail outlet in a readily accessible manner close to the unpacked food.

A heart symbol system was introduced in 2000 by the Finnish Heart Foundation and the Finnish Diabetes Foundation. The heart symbol indicates that a product is a better choice regarding sodium and salt content compared with another product in the same food category. The heart symbol system is acknowledged by the Finnish national authorities, and the National Nutrition Council recommends consumers to use products bearing the heart symbol.

The NutriScore Label

On 26 January 2016, the French Ministry of Health introduced Article 5 of the Health Act that recommended introducing a system of nutrition labelling. The Directorate-General for Health requested Public Health France to design the nutrition labelling and the decision to recommend the NutriScore system was informed by research that trialled four different types of nutrition labels in 80 supermarkets in September 2016. The NutriScore system was chosen as the most consumer-friendly. The NutriScore label uses a nutrient-profiling system, based on the UK Food Standards Agency model. It classifies food and drinks according to five categories of nutritional quality, indicated via a colour scale ranging from dark green to dark red. Each colour is also associated with a letter from A (dark green) to E (dark red) to make the labelling more accessible and understandable to consumers. The score takes into account for every 100 grams of produce whether the contents of the product include nutrients and food that should be favoured (positive nutrients including fibre, protein, fruit and vegetables) or nutrients that should be limited (negative nutrients including energy, saturated fatty acids, sugars, salt). The amount of nutrients per 100 grams contained in the product is scored using a points system (0–40 for negative nutrients and 0–15 for positive nutrients that should be favoured). The nutritional score of the product is calculated by subtracting the negative nutrient points from the positive nutrient points. All processed food is included, except aromatic herbs, teas, coffees and yeasts, and all beverages, except alcoholic beverages.

The European Commission approved the use of the NutriScore label and on 31 October 2017 the French government signed a decree outlining that the NutriScore label would be used in France. The label is voluntary and to date six major retailers and manufacturers have already entered into a Charter of Commitment to use the labelling on their products.

Nutri-score front-of-pack labeling — Germany

As of 2020, Germany has rolled out the Nutri-Score front-of-pack labeling scheme, which provides a combined scale of colours and letters designed to make it easier for consumers to recognise and compare the nutritional quality of products. This is a voluntary mechanism for businesses choosing to use this labeling scheme. 

The Keyhole Logo

In 2013, Iceland adopted the Swedish government's set nutritional criteria for the use of the Keyhole logo. The aim of the Keyhole logo is to help consumers choose products that contain less fat, salt and sugar. Use of the logo is voluntary, but products must conform to the nutrition criteria, which are identical among participant countries of the programme. New, stricter requirements came into force on 1 March 2015, with a transition period until 1 September 2016 for products adhering to the old requirements. Under the new requirements, Keyhole products will need to contain less salt, sugar and saturated fat, and more whole grains. For the first time, criteria were introduced for maximum salt content in meat and fish products.

The Front of Pack Traffic Light Label 

In March 2015, the Iranian government introduced a new version of the Food and Beverages labelling regulation that introduced a front of pack traffic light label. It displays individual information on the fat, sugar, salt, trans fatty acids and energy content of the product to improve consumer understanding. Green indicates low or a little amount of the corresponding nutritional risk factor, yellow indicates a moderate amount and red shows a high amount, with thresholds set for each colour. For example, the thresholds for salt quantity are green - less than 0.3g of salt per 100g of food, yellow - between 0.3g and 1.5g of salt per 100g of food, and red - more than 1g of salt per 100g of food. The label is mandatory for all industrial foods which are manufactured in, or imported into, Iran. The label is not mandatory for traditional foods and outlet foods. This advanced labelling protocol was implemented step by step over a period of 18 months, extended for another 12 months, and is now fully implemented.

The Red Warning Label

On 1 January 2020, Israel introduced mandatory red warning labels for products high in saturated fat, sugar or salt. Maximum levels of salt, sugar and saturated fats are defined by the Ministry of Health specifically to apply to be applied to these red labels. Depending on their composition, foods and drinks can carry one, two, or three warning labels carrying these messages: high levels of sugar, high levels of salt, and/or high levels of saturated fat. Food and drinks manufacturers have been granted two deadlines by which to reformulate their products: 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2021. In the first stage, the following thresholds were set: 500mg of sodium, 13.5g of total sugars, and 5g of total saturated fats per 100g of solid food. Beyond these limits, solid foods will require a red label. For drinks (‘liquid food') these maximum limits are 400mg of sodium, 5g of total sugars, and 3g for total saturated fat per 100 ml. Starting with January 2021, both these sets of limits will be reduced, as follows: 400mg of sodium, 10g of total sugars, and 4g of total saturated fat for solid food; and 300mg of sodium, 5g of total sugars, and 3g of total saturated fat acid for drinks.

The Keyhole Logo

The Lithuanian Ministry of Health signed the agreement to join the Nordic Keyhole logo programme in 2013, and approved the criteria for products to bear the logo in 2014. The Lithuanian Ministry of Health have specified criteria  for prepackaged and unpackaged foodstuffs to bear the logo. Foods intended for infants up to the age of 36 months may not bear the logo.  Use of the logo is voluntary, but products must conform to the nutrition criteria, which are identical among participant countries of the programme. New, stricter requirements came into force on 1 March 2015, with a transition period until 1 September 2016 for products adhering to the old requirements. Under the new requirements, Keyhole products will need to contain less salt, sugar and saturated fat, and more whole grains. For the first time, criteria were introduced for maximum salt content in meat and fish products.

The Healthier Choice Logo 

On 20 April 2017, the Minister of Health of Malaysia launched the Healthier Choice Logo in collaboration with food and beverages industries in Malaysia. The objectives of the Healthier Choice Logo are to: help consumers quickly identify healthier products within the same food category; assist consumers in making informed food choices through authentication of the logo displayed on the food products; educate the public on the use of approved products within a healthy and balanced eating pattern; and encourage and promote good practices among food industries in producing “healthier choice” products. Implementation of the Healthier Choice Logo is voluntary. Products bearing the logo indicate they meet a set of nutrient criteria, which exist for 42 sub-categories of foods and beverages. As of 15 May 2017, 48 products from various food and beverage companies have the Healthier Choice Logo.

Front-of-pack seals (the NOM-051 regulations)

On 24 January 2020, the Mexican Health Commission approved an amendment to regulation NOM-051, which mandates clearer mandatory nutritional information, new front of pack labelling specifications and advertising restrictions on pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages.

The new front-of-pack labelling (FOPL)  requirements enter into force on October 1, 2020 and will increase in stringency up to October 1, 2025, when the regulations are expected to be implemented in full. The new FOPL specifications are mandatory for products containing added sodium, fat or sugar, as defined by the Ministry of Health. They require the inclusion of a warning stamp that products are in ‘Excess’ of energy, sugars, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. For phase I of implementation (Oct 2020 – Sept 2023), the Ministry of Health set the following nutrient limits: energy ≥ 275 kcal for solid foods, and for liquids ≥ 70 kcal in total or ≥ 10 kcal due to free sugars; sugar ≥ 10 % of energy from free sugars (but drinks with <10kcal of free sugars are excepted from stamps; saturated fat ≥10% of total energy; trans fat ≥1% of total energy; sodium ≥ 350 mg or ≥ 45 mg in no calorie drinks. For phase II of implementation (October 2023 – Sept 2025), the limit for calories from free sugar decreases to ≥ 8 kcal, while sodium limits become ≥ 1 mg per kcal or ≥ 300 mg and ≥ 45 mg in no calorie drinks. The FOPL seals indicate excess, and have to be accompanied by warning messages that they are harmful to children if they contain any amount of added caffeine or non-sugar sweeteners, under the following format: ‘Contains sweeteners – not recommended for children’ and ‘Contains caffeine avoid giving to children’.

The measures related to mandatory nutritional labelling and advertising restrictions on pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages are expected to enter into foce on April 1, 2021, when companies will cease to be allowed to place stickers of the new labels and all products will need to include all three requirements in the design of their packages. 

The Choices logo – the Netherlands

The Choices logo, a voluntary, industry-initiated scheme, was introduced in the Netherlands in 2006. The logo identifies healthier options in each food group. Products must meet nutritional criteria set by an independent scientific committee. It was subsequently actively supported by the Dutch government and received EU approval for use in 2013.  However, the Choices logo lost its government endorsement in 2016 and was subsequently phased out until October 2018. To replace the function of the logo, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Stichting VoedingsCentrum Nederland), an independent public organisation funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare & Sport, developed the ‘Do I choose healthy?’ app. 

Expired policy

Evaluations

Vyth, EL et al. (2009) A front-of-pack nutrition logo: a quantitative and qualitative process evaluation in the Netherlands. Journal of health communication, 14(7), 631-645

Vyth, EL et al. (2010) Actual use of a front-of-pack nutrition logo in the supermarket: consumers' motives in food choice. Public health nutrition, 13(11), 1882-1889

The Health Star Rating (HSR)

In 2014, the government of New Zealand implemented a Health Star Rating (HSR) system as a voluntary scheme for industry adoption. It is a joint Australian, state and territory governments and New Zealand government initiative developed in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups. The HSR system takes into account four aspects of a food associated with increasing risk for chronic diseases; energy, saturated fat, sodium and total sugars content along with certain "positive" aspects of a food such as its content of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and, in some instances, dietary fibre and protein. Star ratings range from ½ star (least healthy) to 5 stars (most healthy). Implementation is overseen by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation, the Front-of-Pack Labelling Steering Committee, the Trans-Tasman Health Star Rating Advisory Committee, the New Zealand Health Star Rating Advisory Group and a Technical Advisory Group. 

Evaluations

Mhurchu CN et al. (2017) Effects of a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling system on packaged food reformulation: The Health Star Rating system in New Zealand. Nutrients 9(8), 918.

The Heart Check Nutrition Labelling Programme 

The Nigerian Heart Foundation developed the voluntary Heart Check front-of-pack labelling programme in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Products must meet nutritional criteria, set by the Nigerian Heart Foundation and approved by NAFDAC, on added sugar, sodium, fat as well as dietary fibre; oils and related products must meet criteria on trans fat and cholesterol. The Nigerian Heart Foundation grants permission to use the Heart Check logo on packaged food following a joint approval by NAFDAC and Nigerian Heart Foundation. The logo is in use since 2005; the criteria were last amended in January 2016.

The Keyhole Logo

The Keyhole logo has been used as a common Nordic labelling scheme on food products in Norway, Denmark and Sweden since 2009. The Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Icelandic authorities determine which food product groups that can be labelled with the Keyhole symbol and the criteria the products must meet. Use of the logo is voluntary, but products must conform to nutritional criteria tat are identical among participant countries of the programme.

In Norway, the Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority are responsible for the labelling scheme. As the Keyhole symbol is voluntary, it is the manufacturers’ responsibility to follow the set of criteria set by the authorities. The Keyhole can be found on the packaging of the foods. You can also find the label on fruit/vegetables, bread, meat, fish and cheese that is not wrapped. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is responsible for monitoring compliance with the regulations regarding use of the label. In March 2015, new, stricter requirements came into force, with a transition period until 1 September 2016 for products adhering to the old requirements. Under these new requirements, Keyhole products must contain less salt, sugar and saturated fat, and more fibe and whole grains compared to other foods of the same category. For the first time, criteria were introduced for maximum salt content in meat and fish products. 

Decree on Health Warnings on the Promotion of Healthy Eating among Children and Adolescents 

Since June 2019, under the Supreme Decree No. 012-2018-SA ‘Health Warnings on the Promotion of Healthy Eating among Children and Adolescents’, all processed food and drink products sold in Peru must carry a mandatory black and white nutrition warning label if they are high in salt, sugar and saturated fat, or contain trans fats. The label must be placed in the upper right-hand part of the product’s front label. Warning labels must be placed on drinks that contain 100mg or more of sodium per 100ml, 6g or more of sugar per 100ml, 3g or more of saturated fat per 100ml and on foods that contain 800mg or more of sodium per 100g, 22.5g or more of sugar per 100g, 6g or more of saturated fat per 100g or products that contain any trans fat (unless naturally occurring). Advertisements of these food products (via print and internet) must be accompanied by the display of these warning labels. Radio media and audio-visual (video, TV, cinema) advertisements of these food products must contain warnings that state “HIGH IN’ followed by a combination of SODIUM, SUGAR, and SATURATED FATS, along with a legend that is proportional to the duration of the advertisement such as “Avoid excessive consumption”. Furthermore, audio-visual advertisements for products containing trans-fats must contain audio warnings stating “CONTAINS TRANS FATS”, accompanied by the legend “Avoid consumption”.

FDA voluntary front of pack label

On 13 December 2012, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration issued FDA Circular No. 2012-015 which set out guidelines for a voluntary front of pack label that applies to FDA-CFRR regulated products (processed and prepackaged food products). The label must appear on the lower right hand portion of the principal display panel and must outline the amount of energy per serving of the food, and the percentage of the calorie value based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) for energy. Producers need to submit their labels to the FDA for approval before they can be displayed.

The Choices logo – Poland

The Choices logo, a voluntary, industry-initiated scheme, was introduced in Poland in 2008. The logo identifies healthier options in each food group. Products must meet nutritional criteria set by an independent scientific committee. It received EU approval for use in 2013.

The Healthier Choice Symbol 

The government of Singapore introduced a Healthier Choice symbol in 1998 with defined nutrition criteria. Food manufacturers and retailers can voluntarily use the label on front-of-pack for products that meet the nutritional criteria. In 2003, the use of the symbol was extended to food service operators such as hawkers and restaurants. Food service operators can display the symbol next to dishes meeting the criteria. There is also a Healthy Snack symbol for products that are individually packed in small portions and meet specific nutrition guidelines. A refreshed Healthier Choice symbol, based on revised nutrient guidelines, was launched in September 2015 and existing products with the current symbol will have to be depleted by 1 January 2018. Products carrying the current symbol will need to re-apply to carry the revised symbol. Currently there are nutrition guidelines covering >60 food categories.

The Little Heart Logo

In 1993, the Slovenian Heart Foundation initiated the Little Heart logo (formerly Protects Health label), a stylised heart that can be used on pre-packed food and menus in public canteens that meet the requirements of the European Commission’s Regulation No. 1924/2006 on Nutrition and Health Claims made on Foods. Underneath the heart symbol, the specific nutritional properties are listed that the product meets (eg low fat content, rich in fibre) and which make it a healthier choice compared with other food products in the same category. The initiative is supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. 

Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life

The South Korean Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life recommends colour-coded labelling for use on the front of pre-packaged children's "favourite food" including cookies/candies/popsicles, breads, chocolates, dairy products, sausage (fish or meat based), some beverages, instant noodles and fast food (seaweed rolls, hamburgers, sandwiches). Guidance for the front-of-pack colour-coded labelling was issued by Public Notice (2011), and outlines three permitted designs using green, amber and red to identify whether products contain low, medium or high levels of total sugars, fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

Traffic light labelling system

On 1 May 2016, a traffic light labelling system for beverages was implemented in Sri Lanka after the government introduced a regulation under Section 32 of the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980. The regulation states that drinks that contain more than 11g of sugar per 100ml of drink should have a red label, drinks that contain 2–11g per 100ml should have an amber label and drinks containing less than 2g per 100ml should have a green label. The regulations have been enforced with raids carried out on retailers by Ministry of Health officers, and legal action is threatened for those who do not comply with the regulation under Section 32, as above.

The Keyhole Logo

The Swedish government set nutritional criteria for the use of the Keyhole logo established in Sweden in 1989 and launched as a common Nordic label on 17 June 2009 in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Keyhole is a food label that identifies healthier food products within a product group and it aims  to help consumers choose products that contain less fat, salt and sugar.  Foods labelled with the Keyhole contain less sugars and salt, more fibre and wholegrain and healthier or less fat than food products of the same type not carrying the symbol. Use of the logo is voluntary, but products must conform to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, which are identical among participant countries of the programme and are founded on scientific research.

New, stricter requirements came into force on 1 March 2015, with a transition period until 1 September 2016 for products adhering to the old requirements. Under the new requirements, Keyhole products will need to contain less salt, sugar and saturated fat, and more whole grains. For the first time, criteria were introduced for maximum salt content in meat and fish products. Further, starting in 2021, the Keyhole logo can be added to plant-based foods and to healthier ready-made meals.

The Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) Label & the Healthier Choices Logo 

The Ministry of Public Health Notification (No. 374) BE. 2559 (2016) issued by the Thai Food and Drug Administration requires five categories of food (snack, chocolate, bakery, semi-processed food and chilled or frozen meal) to carry a Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) label.

In August 2016, the voluntary Healthier Choices logo was launched in Thailand, a front-of-pack labelling scheme to help consumers identify healthier food choices (Notification of the Ministry of Public Health No. 373, B.E.2559 2016, Re: The Display of Nutrition Symbol on Food Label, 12 February 2016). The logo was developed in collaboration between the National Food Commission, the Ministry of Health's Food and Drug Administration, the Health Promotion Foundation and Mahidol University. The Healthier Choices logo is owned by the Thai Food and Drug Administration, and its use is managed by the Nutrition Promotion Foundation of Mahidol University. The logo can be applied to beverages, sauces and condiments, dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, instant food and snacks; it is intended to eventually cover all food products. To be eligible for the logo, fish sauce must not contain more than 6g of sodium per 100ml, and soy sauce not more than 5g sodium per 100ml. Beverages must not contain more than 6g of sugar per 100ml if they are sold in single-serving containers; in beverages sold in containers that exceed 150% of a single serving, sugar must not exceed 18g per container. All other food must not exceed 500kcal and has to reach at least 20 points out of an achievable 40 points on the required nutrient content. The point system contains minimum and maximum levels of total fat, saturated fat, total sugar, protein, sodium, calcium fibre and iron in six categories, ranging from 0 (worst) to 5 (best).

The Weqaya Logo

In 2015, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) introduced the voluntary Weqaya food programme which allows food producers to use the Weqaya logo on products which satisfy the criteria set out in the Specification for using the Weqaya food programme (ADS 13/2015). The logo consists of a heart shape in which the word ‘Weqaya’ is written, meaning ‘prevention’ in Arabic. The specifications require that products must adhere to maximum levels of calories, total fat, saturated and trans fat, sodium, added, total and naturally occurring sugars, and cholesterol. In addition, they may not be deep fried or contain artificial sweeteners and flavours. Flour, rice and grain-based products must contain minimum amounts of whole grains and fibre to be permitted to bear the logo. The only beverages allowed under the programme are unsweetened 100% vegetable juices, and unsweetened low fat milk and other fermented dairy products.

The "Multiple Traffic Light" Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling – UK

In 2006, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that food retailers and manufacturers place front of pack traffic-light labels on products. The recommended labelling format consists of four separate colour-coded lights indicating the level of fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt in the product. A ‘red’ light indicates a ‘high’ level of that nutrient, an ‘amber’ light a ‘medium’ level and a ‘green’ light a ‘low’ level, with nutrition criteria set by the FSA.

In 2013, the UK Government and Devolved Administrations published national guidance for a voluntary "Multiple Traffic Light" Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling scheme for pre-packaged products. The recommended labelling format consists of four colour-coded lozenges which show at a glance whether a product is high (red), medium (amber) or low (green) in fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars. It also includes the total energy (kilocalories and kilojoules) the product provides. The Front of Pack nutrition labelling scheme combines colour coding and percentage reference intakes in line with UK recommendations and the requirements of Article 35 of European Union (EU) Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (EU FIC) (see above).

Evaluations

Sacks G et al. (2009) Impact of front-of-pack ‘traffic-light’ nutrition labelling on consumer food purchases in the UK. Health Promotion International, 24(4), 344-352.

The Responsibility Deal – England

In June 2013, through the English government’s voluntary pledge programme, the Responsibility Deal, 23 companies made voluntary commitments (“pledges”) to adopt the government’s recommended Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling Scheme (last company signed up in February 2014). The Responsibility Deal was operational during the coalition government from 2010 to 2015.

Expired policy

Evaluations

Knai C et al. (2017) An evaluation of a public–private partnership to reduce artificial trans fatty acids in England, 2011–2016. European Journal of Public Health, ckx002, 1-4.

Durand MA et al. (2015) An evaluation of the Public Health Responsibility Deal: Informants’ experiences and views of the development, implementation and achievements of a pledge-based, public–private partnership to improve population health in England. Health Policy, 119(11), 1506-1514.

Knai C et al. (2015) Has a public-private partnership resulted in action on healthier diets in England? An analysis of the Public Health Responsibility Deal food pledges. Food Policy, 54, 1-10.

The Food Safety Act 

The Food Safety Act 2009 requires on-shelf labelling for canned luncheon meat, canned meat containing other food that has more than 20% fat, and for all minced meats and sausages sold unpackaged. The label should read "This brand of canned luncheon meat/canned meat with (name of the other food) is high in fat. For a healthy diet eat less". It is reported to not be widely implemented.

The Pure Food (Food Control) Regulations 

The Pure Food (Food Control) Regulations 2009 in the Solomon Islands require on-shelf labeling for canned luncheon meat, canned meat containing other food that has more than 20% fat, and for all minced meats and sausages sold unpackaged. The label should read "This brand of canned luncheon meat/canned meat with (name of the other food) is high in fat. For a healthy diet eat less". It is reported to not be widely implemented.

The Health Legislation Amendment Act 

The QLD Health Legislation Amendment Act 2016 in the Australian Capital Territory (amendments to Food Regulation 2002 in effect since February 2012) and the states of New South Wales (Food Regulation 2010, in effect since February 2011), South Australia (amendments to Food Regulation 2002 in effect since February 2012), Queensland (amendments to Food Act 2006, passed in March 2016, enforceable from March 2017) and Victoria (amendment to Food Act 1984 in effect since 1 May 2018) require restaurant chains (eg fast food chains, ice cream bars) with ≥20 outlets in the state (or seven in the case of ACT), or 50 or more across Australia, to display the kilojoule content of food products on their menu boards. The display must be clear and legible. Average adult daily energy intake of 8,700kJ must also be prominently featured. Other chains/food outlets are allowed to provide this information on a voluntary basis, but must follow the provisions of the legislation (except in Victoria where voluntary display need not comply with the legislation).

Evaluations

Wellard L et al. (2015) The availability and accessibility of nutrition information in fast food outlets in five states post-menu labelling legislation in New South Wales. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 39(6), 546-549.

New South Wales Food Authority (2013) Evaluation of Kilojoule Menu Labelling. NSW Food Authority, Newington, NSW.

Guidelines on fast food menu labelling 

In 2010, the Nutrition Section of the Ministry of Health of Bahrain developed voluntary menu labelling recommendations for fast food chain restaurants. Nutrients are mostly displayed per portion and include calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, salt and sugar. Menu labelling may be done in a variety of ways such as on panels at ordering counters and checkouts or on food tray sheets. The main fast food chains operating in Bahrain have implemented the menu labelling recommendations (such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Diary Queen, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway and Jasmi’s).

The Healthy Menu Choices Act 

In effect since 1 January 2017, Ontario’s Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015 (passed in May 2015 as part of the Making Healthier Choices Act, 2015 (Bill 45) and accompanied by Ontario Regulation 50/16) requires food service premises that are part of a chain of 20 or more food service premises in Ontario (as well as certain cafeteria-style food service premises) to display calories for “standard food items” on menus, labels and display tags. Regulated food service premises include restaurants, quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, movie theatres, public-facing cafeterias, food trucks and others. “Standard food items” are restaurant-type food or drink items (eg ready-to-eat items) that are sold or offered for sale in servings that are standardised for portion and content. Menus include paper menus, menu boards, electronic menus, drive-through menus, online menus or menu applications, advertisements and promotional flyers. Food service premises must also display information on daily caloric requirements. Ontario’s 36 public health units are responsible for implementation of the Act. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care developed an implementation guide, fact sheets and a frequently asked questions document to facilitate and streamline implementation.

Guidelines on Advertisement and Nutrition Labelling for Fast Food Restaurants 

Based on the voluntary 2008 Guidelines on Advertisement and Nutrition Labelling for Fast Food Restaurants, Malaysian fast food restaurants are encouraged to display nutrient information on energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat and sodium for food and total sugar for beverages. Restaurants are free to decide how they display this information (eg on-pack labelling, brochures, posters in the outlet). Implementation of the Guidelines is not monitored but the Ministry of Health periodically engages with the fast food industry to urge companies to implement the Guidelines.

The Special Act on Safety Control of Children's Dietary Life 

Since 2010, the South Korean Special Act on Safety Control of Children’s Dietary Life has required all chain restaurants with 100 or more establishments to display nutrient information on menus including energy, total sugars, protein, saturated fat and sodium on menus.

The Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation 

Since July 2015, convenience store chains, drink vendor chains and fast food chains have to label the sugar and caffeine content of prepared-when-ordered drinks (eg coffee- and tea-based drinks, fruit and vegetable juices) according to a regulation based on the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The amount of sugar added to drinks (specified in sugar cubes) and its calorie content have to be displayed on drink menus and/or notice boards in a prescribed minimum font. In addition, different colours have to be used to signal the level of caffeine contained in coffee drinks. It is reported that many stores are not compliant with these labelling requirements due to lack of resources.

The Responsibility Deal

In England, as part of the government’s Responsibility Deal, 45 out-of-home businesses committed to provide calorie information on menus and display boards, including some leading companies. Although voluntary, the label had to follow a standard government model. The Out of Home Calorie Labelling pledge was implemented in September 2011. The Responsibility Deal was operational during the coalition government from 2010 to 2015.

Expired policy

Evaluations

Knai C et al. (2017) An evaluation of a public–private partnership to reduce artificial trans fatty acids in England, 2011–2016. European Journal of Public Health, ckx002, 1-4.

Durand MA et al. (2015) An evaluation of the Public Health Responsibility Deal: Informants’ experiences and views of the development, implementation and achievements of a pledge-based, public–private partnership to improve population health in England. Health Policy, 119(11), 1506-1514.

Knai C et al. (2015) Has a public-private partnership resulted in action on healthier diets in England? An analysis of the Public Health Responsibility Deal food pledges. Food Policy, 54, 1-10.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 

Section 4205 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) created a new clause 403(q)(5)(H) in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (1938) which requires that all chain restaurants with 20 or more establishments display energy information on standard menu items. The implementing regulations were published by the Food and Drug Administration on 1 December 2014. Despite implementation being delayed several times, the regulation went into effect 7 May 2018. Two states (California, Vermont), seven counties (eg King County, WA and Albany County, NY) and two municipalities (New York City, Philadelphia) have already implemented regulations requiring chain restaurants (often chains with more than a given number of outlets) to display calorie information on menus and display boards. These regulations will be pre-empted by the national law once implemented; local governments will still be able to enact menu labelling regulations for establishments not covered by national law (eg food trucks or restaurants not part of a chain which have not self-certified to voluntarily comply with the calorie labelling requirements). The regulations also require vending machine operators of more than 20 vending machines to post calories for food where the on-pack label is not visible to consumers. Implementation for vending machine operators is required by 26 July 2018.

In 2008, New York City was the first jurisdiction to require calorie labelling in chain restaurants. The calorie labelling rule within the NYC Health Code was updated in 2015, with enforcement as of 22 May 2017. All covered food service establishments must now include two new nutrition statements on menus and menu boards (“2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary” and “Additional nutritional information available upon request”), have comprehensive nutrition information on-site and provide it to anyone who requests it, and provide calorie information for multiple-serving standard menu items, combination meals with choices, self-service food, food on display, menu items with a choice of toppings and temporary menu items. This rule affects any establishment that requires a Health Department permit and is part of a chain with ≥15 locations in the US. The updated rule also covers chain food retail establishments that offer restaurant-type food. 

Evaluations

Elbel B et al. (2013) Calorie Labeling, Fast Food Purchasing and Restaurant Visits. Obesity, 21(11): 2172-2179.

Krieger JW et al. (2013) Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(6), 595-604.

Dumanovsky et al. (2011) Changes in energy content of lunchtime purchases from fast food restaurants after introduction of calorie labelling: cross sectional customer surveys. BMJ, 343, d4464.

Finkelstein et al. (2011) Mandatory Menu Labeling in One Fast-Food Chain in King County, Washington. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 40(2), 122-127.

Elbel B et al. (2009) Calorie Labeling And Food Choices: A First Look At The Effects On Low-Income People In New York City. Health Affairs, 28(6), 1110-1121.

The Energy Drinks Law 

In January 2016, the parliament of Latvia approved the Law on the handling of energy drinks, implemented on 1 June 2016. Retailers are required to display all energy drinks separately from other food items, and display a note at the point of sale stating "High caffeine content. Not recommended for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women''. The Law also contains marketing restrictions (see “R – Restrict food advertising and other commercial promotion”).

The New York City Health Code 

Following an amendment to Article 81 of the New York City Health Code (addition of section 81.49), chain restaurants are required to put a warning label on menus and menu boards, in the form of a salt-shaker symbol (salt shaker inside a triangle), when dishes contain 2,300mg of sodium or more. It came into effect on 1 December 2015 and applies to food service establishments with 15 or more locations nationwide. In addition, a warning statement is required to be posted conspicuously at the point of purchase: “Warning: [salt shaker symbol] indicates that the sodium (salt) content of this item is higher than the total daily recommended limit (2300 mg). High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke.” As of May 2017, nine out of ten NYC chain restaurants were in compliance.

Nutrient claims – Australia

Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard 1.2.7 (2013) introduces rules on the use of nutrition content claims (levels of fat for a low-fat claim) in Australia. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Standard, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Austria

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about health claims, for more details, see "N – Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)".

EU nutrient claims – Belgium

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. Nutrition claims (referring to nutrient content claims or comparative claims, i.e. energy-free, low fat or reduced content of sugar) are allowed if listed in the annex of the Regulation and comply with the conditions of use applying for them. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims. According to the Regulation, nutrition and health claims should only be used if complying with specific nutrient profiles (to be established) in order to avoid their use on foods with a nutritional composition that have a negative impact on health, i.e. high content of saturated fat, sugar or salt. However, these nutrient profiles have not yet been established and are pending since 2010. 

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about health claims, for more details, see "N – Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)".

Nutrient claims – Brazil

In Brazil, producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving). Most other countries follow Guideline CAC/GL 2-1985 from the Codex Alimentarius Commission in requiring nutrition labels only when a nutrition or health claim is made and/or on food with special dietary uses.

EU nutrient claims – Bulgaria

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about health claims, for more details, see "N – Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)".

Nutrient claims – Costa Rica

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Croatia

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Cyprus

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Czech Republic

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Denmark

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. Nutrition claims (referring to nutrient content claims or comparative claims, i.e. energy-free, low fat or reduced content of sugar) are allowed if listed in the annex of the Regulation and comply with the conditions of use applying for them. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims.

According to the Regulation, nutrition and health claims should only be used if complying with specific nutrient profiles (to be established) in order to avoid their use on foods with a nutritional composition that have a negative impact on health, i.e. high content of saturated fat, sugar or salt. However, these nutrient profiles have not yet been established and are pending since 2010. 

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about health claims, for more details, see "N – Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)".

Nutrient claims – El Salvador

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Estonia

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Finland

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – France

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Germany

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Greece

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

Nutrient claims – Guatemala

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

Nutrient claims – Honduras

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Iceland

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). This Regulation is also applicable in Iceland as a member of the European Economic Area. As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

Regulation on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements

The Indonesian Regulation HK.03.1.23.11.11.09909 (2011) on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). The Regulation applies to any food product or beverage that has been processed. Generally, any nutrition or health claim may only be used on processed food or beverages if they do not exceed a certain level of fat and natrium per serving (13g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 60mg cholesterol and 480mg natrium). The Regulation sets out certain exceptions from this rule, detailed in its annexes, whereby products exceeding these limits may still contain certain nutrient or health claims ("low in [name of nutrient]" and "free from [name of nutrient]" claims; claims related to fibre, phytosterol and fitostanol; certain disease risk reduction claims).

EU nutrient claims – Ireland

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Italy 

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Latvia

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Liechstenstein

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim).This Regulation is also applicable in Iceland as a member of the European Economic Area. As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content'). 

EU nutrient claims – Lithuania

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Luxembourg

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

The Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims

The Malaysian Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims (as at December 2010) establishes rules on the use of nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim) and nutrient comparative claims (eg comparison between an old and new product formulation). The Guide also contains a list of permitted nutrient function claims (ie a claim about the physiological role of a nutrient), including the minimum required amount and additional conditions to be fulfilled (eg the source of the nutrient). Disease risk reduction claims are prohibited. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Guide, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food. Labelling legislation was overhauled in 2003 and all new legislation was incorporated into the existing Food Act of 1983 and Food Regulations of 1985. The Malaysian Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims (as at December 2010) contains the legislation as of 2003 as well as all amendments up to December 2010.

Regulation NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1 (2010) sets rules for the use of nutrition content claims. It prohibits the use of false and misleading claims on labels, especially those that relate to dietary guidance, eating habits and nutritional properties of food. No disease risk reduction claims are allowed. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Malta 

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Netherlands

EU regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). In the Netherlands, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) oversees the application of these regulations.  

As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

Nutrient claims – New Zealand

Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard 1.2.7 (2013) introduces rules on the use of nutrition content claims (levels of fat for a low-fat claim) in New Zealand. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Standard, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

Nutrient claims – Nicaragua

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the Regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU nutrient claims – Norway

EU regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). The regulations were implemented into Norwegian law as Regulations on nutrition and health claims on foods in February 2010.

In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted on all kind of foods. If nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims could only only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU nutrient claims – Poland

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Portugal

EU Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (i.e. levels of fat for a low-fat claim). In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted.

If nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy" though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content'). 

The agency responsible for the implementation of this regulation in Portugal is the Economic and Food Safety Authority.

EU nutrient claims – Romania

In Romania, nutrition claims are under the remit of HG 723/2011 on establishing the legal framework necessary for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods.

HG 106/2006 introduced nutrition labelling as mandatory when a nutrition claim appears on the label or in the marketing and advertising of the products. The labelling system introduced as part of this regulation uses the proportion of daily intake (e.g. %GDA or %RI) for the following: energy value, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat, saturated fatty acids, fibre and sodium.  

EU regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Slovakia

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Slovenia

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 

Section 15(1) of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (by means of regulation of 2010, effective from March 2012) defines the nutrient content claims permitted in South Africa and establishes rules for their use (eg levels of fat permitted in a food product bearing a low fat claim). Nutrient content claims must be substantiated by nutritional information, and the use of terms such as "health", "healthy", "wholesome" or "nutritious" is not allowed. Although nutrition content claims need to meet certain criteria set out in the regulation, there are no generalised nutritional criteria which restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

The Food Sanitation Act

The rules on the use of nutrient claims were established in July 2000 under Section 4 of the South Korean Food Sanitation Act (food labelling). The law regulates which claims are permitted, defines the conditions that must be met for the claim, and governs the language that may be used.

EU nutrient claims regulation – Spain

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU–wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). In Spain, the National Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición – AESAN) coordinates the application of this regulation. In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted.

EU nutrient claims – Sweden

EU regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content').

EU nutrient claims – Switzerland

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrient content and comparative claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim).Switzerland amended its foodstuff law based on its bilateral agreements with the EU to include permitted EU nutrient claims. As of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the Regulation’s annex are permitted. In theory, these nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the annex are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, nutrition claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy", though two notable exceptions will apply: nutrition claims referring to the reduction of fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and salt/sodium will be allowed without reference to a profile for the specific nutrient, provided the claims comply with the conditions of the Regulation; and a nutrition claim may be used even if a single nutrient exceeds the nutrient profile as long as a statement in relation to this nutrient appears on the label in close proximity to, on the same side and with the same prominence, as the claim (the statement must read: 'High [name of nutrient] content'). 

Nutrition claims – UK 

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified nutrition claims. A nutrition claim is any claim which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular beneficial nutritional properties due to the presence, absence, increased or reduced levels of energy or of a particular nutrient or other substance, and includes claims such as “source of calcium”, “low fat”, “high fibre” and “reduced salt”. The regulation entered into force in the EU in 2007. The body responsible with its implementation in the UK is the Foods Standards Agency (FSA). In England, responsibility for legislation on nutrition and health claims in England transferred from the FSA to the Department Health on 1 October 2010. 

In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.  Article 4 of the EU regulation states that nutritional profiles should be established before 2009 in order to lay down guidelines on which foods and / or food groups should be marketed with nutrition and health claims and which should not. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established as of 2020. Therefore, permitted nutrition claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim, as set out in the Regulation's annex, are met. 

The same regulation include rules on health claims. For more details, see "N – Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)".

The Food Labelling Guide 

In the US, nutrient content claims are generally limited to an FDA-authorised list of nutrients (Food Labeling Guide 1994, as last revised in January 2013). Packages containing a nutrient content claim must include a disclosure statement if a serving of food contains more than 13g of fat, 4g of saturated fat, 60mg of cholesterol or 480mg of sodium. Sugar and whole grain content are not considered.

The Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard 1.2.7

The Australian Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard 1.2.7 (2013) includes rules for the use of general level (ie nutrient function) and high level (ie disease risk reduction) health claims on food labels and in advertisements. Industry were given until January 2016 to comply with the Standard. High level health claims must be pre-approved and listed. General level health claims can either be pre-approved and listed in the Standard or self-substantiated according to requirements of the Standard. Both types of health claims are only permitted on food that meet nutritional criteria, as defined by the nutrient profiling scoring criterion set out in the Standard.

EU health claims – Austria

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Belgium

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims. Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims. On hold claims are possible for claims submitted on time, but for which no decision has been taken yet (with respect of the general conditions of the claim regulation). 

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about nutrient claims, for more details see "N – Rules on nutrient claims (ie nutrient content and nutrient comparative claims)".

EU health claims – Bulgaria

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

Health claims – Costa Rica

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) permits and regulates the use of nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. Claims must be substantiated through information demonstrating the nutritional composition of the food, and the relationship between the claimed function of the food product and the beneficial effect on diet and health. The Ministry of Health has responsibility to approve the use of claims on food containing high levels of nutrients that can increase risk of illness or health problems. Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. There are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU health claims – Croatia

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Cyprus

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Czech Republic

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Denmark

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Health claims (defined as any claim that states, suggest or implies that a relationship exist between a food category, a food or one of its constituents and health) are only allowed if authorised at EU level according to the Regulation. The Regulation deals with three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims’ - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) ‘Health Claims referring to children's development and health'. The EC approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims. According to the Regulation the use of nutrition and health should only be used if complying with specific nutrient profiles (to be established) in order to avoid the use of nutrition and health claims on foods with a nutritional composition that have a negative impact on health, ie. high content of saturated fat, sugar or salt. However, these nutrient profiles have not yet been established. 

Regulation 1924/2006 also establishes rules about nutrient claims, for more details see "N – Rules on nutrient claims (ie nutrient content and nutrient comparative claims)".

Health claims – El Salvador

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) permits and regulates the use of nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. Claims must be substantiated through information demonstrating the nutritional composition of the food, and the relationship between the claimed function of the food product and the beneficial effect on diet and health. The Ministry of Health has responsibility to approve the use of claims on food containing high levels of nutrients that can increase risk of illness or health problems. Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. There are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU health claims – Estonia

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Finland

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – France

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Germany

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Greece

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

Health claims – Guatemala

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) permits and regulates the use of nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. Claims must be substantiated through information demonstrating the nutritional composition of the food, and the relationship between the claimed function of the food product and the beneficial effect on diet and health. The Ministry of Health has responsibility to approve the use of claims on food containing high levels of nutrients that can increase risk of illness or health problems. Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. There are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

Health claims – Honduras

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) permits and regulates the use of nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. Claims must be substantiated through information demonstrating the nutritional composition of the food, and the relationship between the claimed function of the food product and the beneficial effect on diet and health. The Ministry of Health has the responsibility to approve the use of claims on food containing high levels of nutrients that can increase risk of illness or health problems. Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. There are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU health claims – Hungary 

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Iceland

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). This Regulation is also applicable in Iceland as a member of the European Economic Area. Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

Regulation on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements

The Indonesian Regulation HK.03.1.23.11.11.09909 (2011) on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements permits a limited number of listed nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. The Regulation applies to any food product or beverage that has been processed. Generally, any nutrition or health claim may only be used on processed food or beverages if they do not exceed a certain level of fat and natrium per serving (13g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 60mg cholesterol and 480mg natrium). The Regulation sets out certain exceptions from this rule, detailed in its annexes, whereby products exceeding these limits may still contain certain nutrient or health claims ("low in [name of nutrient]" and "free from [name of nutrient]" claims; claims related to fibre, phytosterol and fitostanol; certain disease risk reduction claims).

EU health claims – Italy 

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

Health claims – Japan

In April 2015, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), the governmental organisation charged with oversight of food labelling and health claims, introduced a new category of health claim labelling for food called “Food with Functional Claims” (FFC). The other two categories are “Food for Specialized Health Uses” (FOSHU) and “Food with Nutrient Functional Claims” (FNFC), introduced in 1991 and 2001 respectively. Food with Functional Claims (FFC) allows companies to display a product’s specific health benefit (aka “functionality”) and an associated area of the human body on retail food packaging. The FFC registration process is more affordable and faster than the registration process for Food for Specialized Health Uses (FOSHU), which requires clinical trials of a product and individual approval from the CAA. Guidelines exist for FFC labelling contents. FFC claims cannot be made for foods that lead to an excessive intake of fat, cholesterol, sugar and/or sodium. The CAA also revised its regulations for Food with Nutrient Functional Claims (FNFC) in April 2015 to increase product eligibility, expand the list of eligible nutrients, and to include fresh foods.

EU health claims – Liechtenstein

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). This Regulation is also applicable in Liechtenstein as a member of the European Economic Area. Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Luxembourg

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Malta

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Netherlands

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health).  Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission (EC) and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established.

The EC approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims.

Health claims – Nicaragua

A 2012 Central American Technical Regulation (67.01.60:10) permits and regulates the use of nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. Claims must be substantiated through information demonstrating the nutritional composition of the food, and the relationship between the claimed function of the food product and the beneficial effect on diet and health. The Ministry of Health has responsibility to approve the use of claims on food containing high levels of nutrients that can increase risk of illness or health problems. Claims are not permitted on products that may promote or sanction excessive consumption of these nutrients or undermine good dietary practice. There are no generalised nutritional criteria that restrict their use on "unhealthy" food.

EU health claims – Norway

EU health claims – Poland

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Portugal

EU Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims. The EC approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims. 

The agency responsible for the implementation of this regulation in Portugal is the Economic and Food Safety Authority. Further, the Directorate-General for Consumers is the agency responsible for the implementation of this regulation with regards to advertising that includes these health claims.

EU health claims – Romania

In Romania, health claims are under the remit of HG 723/2011 on establishing the legal framework necessary for the application of Regulation (EC)  1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Before HG 723 entered into force, HG 106/2006 mandated that foods labels must not attribute to food properties of preventing, treating or curing diseases or refer to such properties, except for natural mineral waters and any foods for particular nutritional uses authorized for this purpose by the Ministry of Health.

However, regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims. The EC approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'.  In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy". The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims.

EU health claims – Slovakia

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

EU health claims – Slovenia

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

The Food Sanitation Act 

The rules for the use of health claims are set out in the South Korean Health Functional Food Code, based on Article 17 of Section 3 (Standards, Specifications, Labelling and Advertisements) of the Health Functional Food Act 2004 (which has been amended several times). The Act allows for claims to be expressed in both words and diagrams. The Code lists the wording for allowed claims, sets out standards for manufacturing to be observed for each nutrient, and how much the actual nutrient content of the product may deviate from the labelled content (in percentage, ie beta-carotene must be within 80–150% of the labelled amount). The Code includes the recommended daily intake amount, generally expressed as a range between the minimum to maximum amount. If intake of a nutrient may cause negative health effects, a warning label has to be applied.

EU health claims regulation – Spain

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'.

In theory, nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, as of January 2010, only nutrition claims as listed in the EU Regulation’s Annex are permitted. The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims. New approved or rejected health claims are made effective in Spain as soon as possible after they have been adopted by the European Commission.

EU health claims – Sweden

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims. The EC approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considers three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims - relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development'. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy". The health claims approved and rejected appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims.

EU health claims – Switzerland

Regulation 1924/2006 (applicable as of July 2007) establishes EU-wide rules on the use of health claims (claims on nutrient function, disease risk reduction and children's health). This Regulation is also applicable in Switzerland because the government amended its foodstuff law based on its bilateral agreements with the EU to include permitted EU health claims.  Companies may only use health claims that are substantiated and authorised by the European Commission and Member States (various regulations authorising health claims to date). The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for verifying the scientific substantiation of claims; it has done so for claims currently in use and continues to do so for claims that are proposed and applied for by companies that want to use health claims in the EU. In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010 but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. Once nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

Health claims – UK 

Regulation 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health claims.  A health claim is any claim that states, suggests or implies that a relationship exists between a food category, a food or one of its constituents and health. This would include claims such as “calcium helps maintain normal bones”. More general claims such as “good for you” may also be health claims, and the Regulation takes these into account.

The EU approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and can be easily understood by consumers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. It generally considered three types of health claims: 1) the 'Function Health Claims' (Article 13)- relating to the growth, development and functions of the body; referring to psychological and behavioural functions; and on slimming or weight-control; 2) the 'Risk Reduction Claims' (Article 14(1)(a)) on reducing a risk factor in the development of a disease; 3) Health 'Claims referring to children's development' (Article 14(1)(b) claims). The EU then considers whether the proposed claim should be authorised. Claims appear in the EU Commission's register of approved and rejected claims.

In theory, health claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile. This nutrient profiling restriction was due to be implemented in 2010, but no model has yet been established. Therefore, permitted health claims can be used as long as the conditions for use of the claim as set out in the respective regulations are met. If nutrient profiles are established, health claims may only be used on food products deemed "healthy".

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (1990) & the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (1997)

The use of disease risk reduction claims is permitted in the US. They are governed by specific rules in the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (1990) and the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (1997). There are three categories of claims permitted:

1. Claims judged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have "significant scientific agreement" (currently 12 claims).
2. Claims supported by a published, current and authoritative statement by a federal scientific body or the National Academy of Sciences (currently six claims).
3. "Qualified claims": these claims do not meet the above-mentioned standards but may be used if there is some scientific evidence to substantiate the claim provided they include a disclaimer referencing the scientific uncertainty. The FDA considers a number of factors in approving a claim, including the strength of the evidence and potential public health impact.

Health claims are generally not permitted if a food contains more than 13g of fat, 4g of saturated fat, 60mg of cholesterol, or 480mg of sodium. Sugar and whole grain content are not considered.

Companies may make nutrient function claims without notifying FDA, but such claims must be truthful and not misleading. Dietary guidance statements (eg, "Doctors recommend 3 servings of whole grains per day") are also permitted without FDA pre-approval but must be truthful and not misleading.

The Crunch&Sip® Programme

Crunch&Sip® is a vegetable and fruit programme in Australia promoting the consumption of fruit, vegetables and water during class time ("Crunch&Sip time"). It involves students bringing in fruit, vegetables and water from home. It was launched in 2005 in Western Australia, and is currently funded by Healthway (a government agency that funds activities related to the promotion of good health, with a particular focus on young people) as part of the Australian government’s Go for 2&5® fruit and vegetable campaign, and coordinated by the Cancer Council Western Australia. It has since been extended to New South Wales (through the Healthy Kids Association) and South Australia (through the South Australian Dental Service). Funding is currently provided by each of the state governments. Schools participating in Crunch&Sip® are required to ensure that at least 80% of classes and 70% of students participate in the daily fruit and vegetable break. Schools need to endorse a supportive school policy and are encouraged to implement a parent communication strategy and develop curriculum material.

Evaluations

Myers G et al. (2018) A process and outcome evaluation of an in-class vegetable promotion program. Appetite, 125, 182-189.

Nathan N et al. (2011) Vegetable and fruit breaks in Australian primary schools: prevalence, attitudes, barriers and implementation strategies. Health Education Research, 26, 722-73.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Austria

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Belgium

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

In Wallonia, the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is administered by SPW Agriculture. Primary and secondary schools can opt in to this programme.  

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Bulgaria

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

The Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (NFVP)

Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care launched the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (NFVP) in Northern Ontario in 2006, in cooperation with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Elementary and intermediate school-aged children receive fruit and vegetable snacks at no cost, in combination with healthy eating and physical activity education, twice per week from January to June. NFVP is currently delivered in three regions of Northern Ontario, in partnership with the local health units, school boards, and elementary and intermediate schools.

The Vegetable & Fruit Snack Program

Manitoba’s Vegetable & Fruit Snack Program, launched in 2008, is funded by the Province of Manitoba and the Public Health Agency of Canada; the number of times pupils receive fruit and vegetable snacks per week depends on each school’s way of implementation.

The School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Programme

British Columbia’s School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Programme, launched in 2005 and administered by the British Columbia Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, provides fresh local fruit or vegetable snacks to schools every other week, 13 times in the school year. In 2013, the programme expanded to deliver milk to students in kindergarten to grade two. It is administered by the British Columbia Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, and funded by the British Columbia Ministry of Health in partnership with the Ministries of Agriculture and Education.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Croatia

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Cyprus 

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Denmark 

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

In Denmark, the School Fruit Programme is being offered to since 2017 to pre-schools, primary and secondary schools who want to participate in the scheme. The Danish Agricultural Agency coordinates this process and provides subsidies to applicants (schools or intermediaries such as municipalities or educational authorities. The Agency also developed and provides the associated educational materials free of charge (a cartoon for the youngest children and up to 6th grade or a quiz for the older children from 7th to 10th grade).

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Finland

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – France

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Germany

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Greece

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Hungary

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Ireland

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Latvia

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Luxembourg

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Netherlands

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavour enhancers are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

In the Netherlands, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The programme is also supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum). All primary schools, special primary schools and secondary special education schools are given the opportunity to enrol. The suppliers take care of the purchasing and transport of the weekly delivery. Participant schools receive 3 portions of fruit and vegetables for each student, every week for 20 weeks.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

The Norwegian School Fruit Programme 

First introduced in 2004, the School Fruit Programme (Skolefrukt) allows all Norwegian primary schools to receive a fruit and vegetables subscription. In 2007, the Norwegian government introduced legislation requiring primary schools with lower secondary schools to offer one free piece of fruit or vegetables, five days a week, to pupils (grades 1–10). This was repealed in August 2014, when Skolefrukt became a subscription scheme for all primary schools. 

All primary and lower secondary schools can participate in this version of the programme, which can be paid by either parents or by the school/municipality. In the case of a parent-paid scheme, a subscription is taken out for either 1⁄2 year or 1 year at a time. Students get a fresh fruit or vegetable every day (apple, pear, orange, banana, carrot, kiwi, nectarine or clementine, depending on the season). As of August 2020, the offer costs parents NOK 3.60 per day, and is subsidized by the government with NOK 1.50 per fruit / vegetable. Municipalities can offer free fruit / vegetables to their primary school students, covered by the municipal budget. With a municipally paid scheme, it is possible to order fruit / vegetables at the same price and state subsidy as for parents.

Evaluation

Øvrum A & Bere E (2013) Evaluating free school fruit: results from a natural experiment in Norway with representative data. Public Health Nutrition, 17(6), 1224-1231.

The EU Fruit and Vegetable Scheme – Poland

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

The School Distribution Scheme

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

In 2018, the Ministry of Health, Education and Agriculture developed the Ordinance No. 113, which established the School Distribution Scheme. The School Distribution Scheme consists of complementary national regulations which guide the application of the EU Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. The School Distribution Scheme coordinates the distribution of fruit, vegetables and semi-skimmed milk and dairy products to children between preschool age and the 1st cycle of basic education (primary schools). Municipalities receive grants  to offer these products to preschool and primary school–aged children.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Romania

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavour enhancers are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

In Romania, all children at pre-schools, primary and secondary schools are eligible to participate in the school fruit and vegetable scheme, provided targeted schools subscribe to the scheme. Fresh fruit and vegetables are provided 2-3 times per week and are procured either domestically or internationally. Educational activities linked to the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption include: nutrition education, tasting, cooking, visits to farms.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Slovakia

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU fruit and vegetable scheme – Slovenia

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children and level of development of the country. The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures, such as farm and market visits, educational material distributed to teachers and interactive games on education and nutrition, and regularly monitor and evaluate implementation. Foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavor enhances are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Member States determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

Evaluations

European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) Evaluation of the European School Fruit Scheme Final Report. European Commission, Brussels.

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

EU School Fruit Scheme – Spain

The EU School Fruit Scheme, launched in the 2009-2010 school year, merged with the EU School Milk Scheme on 1 August 2017 into one legal framework based on the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791). The scheme is funded through the EU’s common agricultural policy and supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk and milk products to schools across the EU as part of a wider programme of education about European agriculture and the benefits of healthy eating. It provides financing to Member States based on the number of school children between 6 and 10 years old and level of development of the country. In addition to EU funding, Member States may grant national funding for the scheme.

The implementation of the programmes is at the discretion of national or regional governments, but to receive funding, they must distribute fruit, vegetables and milk products in schools and implement educational measures. The accompanying measures are educational initiatives to ensure promotion of healthy diets and lifestyles in accordance with the recommendations of national and international health institutions.

In Spain, the programme is run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación), but each regional government makes its own arrangements for the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk. As part of the EU policy, foods containing added sugars, salt, fat, sweeteners or artificial flavour enhancers are exempt from the scheme: as an exception, limited quantities of added sugar, salt and fat are allowed if they are approved by the Member States' health/nutrition authorities. The Regional Governments determine the frequency and duration of the distribution of the food.

The Free Fruit in Schools Initiative – Scotland

The Free Fruit in Schools initiative provides one portion of fruit three times a week during term time to all Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils (primary school). The Initiative is implemented at the discretion of local authorities.

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme – England

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) has operated in England since 2004. It was introduced based on the National Health Service (NHS) plan launched in 2000, which included a commitment to implement a national fruit and vegetable scheme by 2004. The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme is jointly funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education. Four to six-year old children in state-funded infant, primary and special schools throughout England are eligible to receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable every school day outside of their school lunch. There is no statutory requirement for schools to participate in this scheme. The scheme was paused in the summer term 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, but has restarted as of fall 2020.

Evaluations

Fogarty AW et al. (2007) Does participation in a population-based dietary intervention scheme have a lasting impact on fruit intake in young children? International Journal of Epidemiology, 36(5), 1080-1085.

Wells L & Nelson M (2005) The National School Fruit Scheme produces short-term but not longer-term increases in fruit consumption in primary school children. British Journal of Nutrition, 93(4), 537-542.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programm

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programm, piloted in the US from 2002 onwards and implemented nationwide in 2008 (based on the 2008 Farm Bill), makes funds available to elementary schools with at least 50% of students eligible for free or reduced price meals. Participating schools receive $50–$75 per child per year and are free to decide what fruit and vegetables to purchase.

Evaluations

Lin Y-C, Fly AD (2016) USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Is More Effective in Town and Rural Schools Than Those in More Populated Communities. Journal of School Health, 86(11), 769-777.

Bartlett S et al. (2013) Evaluation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): Final Evaluation Report. US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, VA.

Mandatory nutrition standards at state level

There are no national mandatory standards in Australia (see below for details of national voluntary guidelines). However, six states and territories have implemented mandatory standards, which are either based on the national voluntary guidelines or nutrient and food criteria defined by the state: Australian Capital Territory (2015), New South Wales (2011), Northern Territory (2009), Queensland (2007), South Australia (2008), and Western Australia (2014). All of these states and territories identify "red category" food, which is either completely banned in schools or heavily restricted (eg offered no more than one or two times per term). The ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy is mandatory for government primary and secondary schools, but not for independent or catholic schools.

Queensland’s Smart Choices school nutrition standards separate food and drinks into green, amber and red categories based on their energy, saturated fat, sugar, sodium and fibre content. Smart Choices ensures that “red” food and drinks are eliminated across the whole school environment.

In February 2014, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) announced the phasing out of sugary drinks for sale in school canteens by the end of 2014. The 2015 ACT School Food and Drink Policy prohibits the sale of sugary drinks in ACT public school canteens. ACT is working to ensure water is the easiest choice available, including the installation of two water refill stations in each public school.

School buffet guidelines

The "Guideline for School Buffets" contains nutritional recommendations for a health-promoting food and drink offers at Austrian school buffets and was drawn up by experts in the field of nutrition and public health, including the Agency for Health and Food Safety, with the involvement of the relevant public and the national nutrition commission. The "School Buffet Guideline" was published in 2011 by the Federal Ministry of Health. The guideline contains recommendations for eleven product groups, such as drinks and baked goods, as well as tips for their implementation. There are no bans, for example sweets and pastries are allowed at the school buffet, but in smaller quantities. Health-promoting goods should be presented in a manner to make them more visible to students.

Mandatory list of foods for public schools

The Ministry of Health of Bahrain has developed a mandatory list of permitted, prohibited and conditionally allowed food for public elementary and secondary schools. According to the 2016–17 Food Canteen List, only unsweetened 100% fruit juice, water, milk and milk drinks are permitted; fruit drinks and nectar, soft and energy drinks are prohibited. Permitted food includes fresh fruit and vegetables, while conditionally allowed food products have to comply with criteria such as not using trans fat, using low-fat cheese instead of cream cheese for sandwiches and limiting portion size. Banned food includes processed meat, potato chips, mayonnaise, puff pastries, sweets and candies (but not chocolate which is a conditionally allowed food).

The Healthy Schools Nutrition Policy

In 1997, Bermuda implemented the mandatory Healthy Schools Nutrition Policy which contains school food standards including the provision of fruit and vegetables in food service/cafeteria menus and all school events that provide food, limits on the use of food high in salt and sugar, provision of low-fat dairy products, leaner meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, the use of lower-fat cooking methods, the consumption of whole fruit and vegetables as preferable to the sole consumption of fruit and vegetable juices and school lunches are required to be consistent with the recommendations of Bermuda’s Daily Dietary Guidelines EatWell Plate.

The Food Service Providers Contract, implemented in 2009 to strengthen the compliance of cafeteria, hot lunch and breakfast vendors in schools, mandates that food provided in schools must be consistent with the Healthy School Nutrition Policy. To monitor compliance, a form exists in which anyone at any school can rate various aspects of a meal provided by a food service provider (eg appropriateness of portion sizes, inclusion of four of five food groups, etc).

The Ministry of Education also has a policy in which only fruit, yoghurt, cheese, crackers and vegetables can be eaten at morning recess.

Nutrition–based standards for the National School Meal Programme

Resolution No 38 (16 July 2009) promulgated by the Brazilian Ministry of Education sets food- and nutrition-based standards for the food available in the national school meal programme (Law 11.947/2009 – Regulamento del Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar). Article 17 prohibits drinks of low nutritional value (eg soda), canned meats, confectionary, and processed food with a sodium and/or saturated fat content higher than a specified threshold.

School “canteens” – kiosks and stores where food can be purchased for takeaway inside public schools – are covered by voluntary guidelines (see O – "Voluntary guidelines for food availabe in schools”).

Ordinance on food safety and quality in child care and education facilities

This ordinance shall determine the specific safety requirements and the quality of the food offered in the kindergartens, the school canteens and the retail outlets on the territory of the schools and the kindergartens, as well as to the food offered at organised events for children and students. Specific standards are outlined for the types of fruit and vegetable products that are allowed to be offered in children establishments, such as ensuring that they do not contain any preservatives, colourings or sweeteners. For foods like breads, meat, milk, etc where set industry standards exist only products meeting these standards should be used.

Ordinances on the reduction of salt, fat and sugar content

In Bulgaria, the reduction of salt, fat and sugar content in food served in all canteens in schools, kindergartens and childcare centres was mandated by ordinances in 2009, 2011 (amendment 2019), and 2013 respectively. In addition, there are restrictions in place for certain unhealthful food and drinks in vending machines. The corresponding recipe books used by school caterers for school children and children aged 0–3 years were updated in 2012 and 2013, respectively, to reflect the ordinances’ requirements. The recipe books for kindergarten pupils and schools is under revision. Compliance with the ordinances is monitored by the Regional Health Inspectorates who may fine offenders.

The Law on Nutritional Composition of Food and its Advertising (Ley 20.606)

In 2012, the Chilean government approved a Law of Nutritional Composition of Food and its Advertising (Ley 20.606). In June 2015, the Chilean authority approved the regulatory norms required for the law’s implementation (Diario Oficial No 41.193), which came into effect on 27 June 2016. The regulatory norms define limits for calories, saturated fat, sugar and sodium content considered “high” in food and beverages. The law prohibits the sale of these "high in" food items and beverages in schools (see “N – Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food” and “R – Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion” for the regulatory norms on labelling regulations and marketing restrictions to children).

Evaluations

Taillie LS et al. (2020) An evaluation of Chile’s Law of Food Labeling and Advertising on sugar-sweetened beverage purchases from 2015 to 2017: A before-and-after study. PLoS medicine, 17(2), e1003015.

Carpentier FR et al. (2020) Evaluating the impact of Chile’s marketing regulation of unhealthy foods and beverages: pre-school and adolescent children’s changes in exposure to food advertising on television. Public health nutrition, 23(4), 747-55.

Correa T et al. (2019) Responses to the Chilean law of food labeling and advertising: exploring knowledge, perceptions and behaviors of mothers of young children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1), 21.

Jensen ML et al. (2019) Snacking patterns among Chilean children and adolescents: is there potential for improvement? Public health nutrition, 22(15), 2803-12.

Rebolledo N et al. (2019) Dietary Intake by Food Source and Eating Location in Low-and Middle-Income Chilean Preschool Children and Adolescents from Southeast Santiago. Nutrients, 11(7), 1695.

Mediano Stoltze F et al. (2019) Prevalence of Child-Directed Marketing on Breakfast Cereal Packages before and after Chile’s Food Marketing Law: A Pre-and Post-Quantitative Content Analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(22), 4501.

Correa T et al. (2019) The prevalence and audience reach of food and beverage advertising on Chilean television according to marketing tactics and nutritional quality of products. Public health nutrition, 22(6), 1113-24.

Massri C et al. (2019) Impact of the Food-Labeling and Advertising Law Banning Competitive Food and Beverages in Chilean Public Schools, 2014-2016. American Journal of Public Health, 109(9), 1249-1254.

Stoltze FM et al. (2018) Prevalence of child-directed and general audience marketing strategies on the front of beverage packaging: the case of Chile. Public health nutrition, 21(3), 454-64.

Restrictions on products sold to students 

Executive Decree No. 36910-MEP-S (2012) of the Costa Rican Ministries of Health and Education sets restrictions on products sold to students in elementary and high schools, including food with high levels of fats, sugars and salt such as chips, cookies, candy and carbonated sodas. Schools are only permitted to sell food and beverages that meet specific nutritional criteria. The restrictions were upheld by the Constitutional Court in 2012 following a challenge by the Costa Rican Food Industry Association.

Nutrition program for children in kindergarten

This regulation determines health care measures for proper nutrition of preschool children in kindergartens. The proper nutrition of children is ensured by a number of meals in accordance with the recommended amounts of energy and nutrients prescribed in this program. 

Nutrition requirements for food and drinks prepared and sold in schools

In October 2014, the Ministries of Public Health and Education in Ecuador implemented a regulation for school bars within the national education system (Reglamento de Bares Escolares del System Nacional de Educacion - Ministerial Agreement 5, Official Record 232). The regulation establishes mandatory nutrition requirements for food and drinks prepared and sold in school bars and cafeterias. Food and drinks must be natural, fresh, nutritious and healthy and it is prohibited to sell or advertise 1) processed foods and drinks with high concentrations of fats, sugars and salt (specified within regulation) 2) food and drinks containing caffeine and/or non-caloric sweeteners 3) energy drinks 4) processed drinks with less than 50% natural food.

Regulations on nutrition requirements for food served in schools and kindergartens 

In 2008, the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs adopted updated regulations on nutrition requirements applicable to food served in school and kindergartens canteens. These requirements contain upper limits for salt, sugar and fat content, and restrict (deep) fried products, sweet treats and soft drinks.

Regulations on nutrition requirements for food served in schools and kindergartens 

In 2008, the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs adopted updated regulations on nutrition requirements applicable to food served in school and kindergartens canteens. These requirements contain upper limits for salt, sugar and fat content, and restrict (deep) fried products, sweet treats and soft drinks.

Regulations on nutrition requirements for food served in schools

In 2008, the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs adopted updated regulations on nutrition requirements applicable to food served in school and pre-school canteens. These requirements contain upper limits for salt, sugar and fat content, and restrict (deep) fried products, sweet treats and soft drinks.

Fiji's School Canteen Guidelines

The Ministry of Education’s Food and Nutrition Policy requires all school canteen operators to comply with Fiji’s School Canteen Guidelines, developed by the National Food and Nutrition Centre in 2005 and revised in 2013. The guidelines outline how to prepare and provide healthy “everyday” food with recipes and nutrition guidelines. They are enforced by the Ministry of Education.

The Finnish National Nutrition Council's guidelines for school meals

In 2017, the Finnish National Nutrition Council updated their nutrition recommendations for school meals replacing the recommendations from 2008. The updated recommendations are based on Health from food – Finnish nutrition guidelines (2014) and Eating together – food recommendations for families with children (2016). The recommendations provide a basic plate model for individual energy expenditure. Food and nutrient recommendations for salt, fibre, fat, starch, and fat content are outlined for all of the components of the basic plate model. The recommendations state that drinks available at school meals should include fat-free milk/milk drinks and buttermilk, fortified with vitamin D. Other liquid dairy products and fermented milk products should be fat-free or low-fat products with a maximum fat content of 1%. Cheese products with a fat content of at most 17% and a maximum salt content of 1.2% should be selected. Fresh water should be available as the primary beverage at meals and must be available as the primary beverage to everybody during the whole school day. No soft drinks, energy drinks or any other acidified beverages or beverages with added sugar are served at school.

The Finnish Act on Early Childhood Education and Care, Section 2b (8.5.2015/580), Section 6 (8.5.2015/280) and Basic Education Act, Section 31(13.6.2003/477) outline that school-age children shall be provided with healthy and necessary nutrition that fulfills their nutritional needs and provided a meal free of charge on every school day. Children at kindergarten/childcare are entitled to a meal each day and low-income populations are provided with a free meal.

In 2009, legislation required products entitled to EU subsidies under the School Milk Scheme to meet nutritional criteria, including maximum levels of salt content. The criteria are set jointly by the Finnish National Nutrition Council and KELA, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. In August 2017, the legislation was amended so that only fat-free milk and fat-free sour cream are subsidised, and cheese was removed from the subsidy.

Regulation on the nutritional quality of school meals

Decree No. 2011-1227 of 30 September 2011 (arising from Law No. 2010-874 of 27 July 2010 on the modernisation of agriculture and fisheries) regulates the nutritional quality of school meals in France, including the diversity and composition of meals, provision of water, portion sizes and restrictions on salt and sauces outside of prepared dishes. School canteen managers are required to keep record of menus for the previous three months at all times, including detailed information on food purchased from suppliers, and are required to identify clearly on menus seasonal ingredients in the composition of the meal. This follows from Interministerial Circular No. 2001-118 of 25 June 2001 which made recommendations on consuming a balanced diet in schools.

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals 

Two German states have enshrined the voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) in law: Berlin implemented the Law for quality improvements of school lunch meals in 2014 in all-day primary schools. The Law sets the DGE quality standards as a minimum requirement which schools have to adhere to, in addition to setting up a lunch meal committee that regularly conducts quality controls and supports the selection of appropriate food suppliers.

The state of Saarland requires all-day primary and secondary schools to provide school meals that are in line with DGE quality standards (Article 8 of the Regulation of all-day primary and secondary schools).

The DGE guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas, and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil. 

Decree 20/2012 on the Operation of Public Education Institutions 

Since 2012, food and beverages subject to the public health product tax (see “U – Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives” for details on the tax) may not be sold on school premises or at events organised for school children, including out-of-school events based on the Ministerial Decree 20/2012 (VIII. 31.) on the Operation of Public Education Institutions and the Use of Names of Public Education Institutions. Section 130(2) of the Decree requires the head of the educational institution to consult the school health service prior to entering into agreements with vending machine operators or food vending businesses. The school health service verifies whether the products to be sold meet the nutritional guidelines set by the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition. Products that do not comply with the guidelines’ “healthy eating” requirements or that have a negative impact on the students’ attention or behaviour, such as those containing artificial colours found in sugary snacks and drinks, are prohibited.

Guidelines for healthy diet in school buffets

In 2008, the Iranian Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health developed the guideline for healthy diet and school buffets. In 2013, the nutrition part of the guideline was updated. The guideline contains a list of healthy and unhealthy food, established by an expert committee based on their content of sugar, salt, fat, and harmful additives. It also includes guidance on proper food preparation and catering as well as maintenance of the physical environment in which food is prepared (kitchen, storage).

The Lunch Program Healthy Nutrition Regulation & the Healthy School Kiosk

In 2017, the Israeli Government implemented the Lunch-Program-Healthy Nutrition Regulation for food provided to children attending after school programmes. Foods that can be provided include fruits and vegetables, whole wheat products, lentils, low-fat poultry and fish, and cooked food with no added salt, sugar and fat. Foods with added sugar, beverages sweetened with both sugar and artificial sweeteners and foods that display a red label, cannot be provided. In August 2018, the Israeli Government passed the Healthy School Kiosk regulation that extends these guidelines to stipulate what foods must be offered in schools including all the above and also milk products.

Food standards in school canteens

The Jordanian Ministry of Health has set food standards regulating which food may be sold to students in school canteens as part of the National School Health Strategy (2013–17), which was prepared in coordination with a multi-sectorial committee and approved in 2012.

Ban of junk food on school premises

The Ministries of Health and Education of Kuwait introduced a ban of fizzy drinks, crisps and chocolates on school premises to reduce the intake of fat and sugar by pupils, and to increase their milk consumption; they also introduced fruit and vegetables in the breakfasts offered by tuck shops in schools. The ban is monitored by the Ministry of Education but compliance is not reported to be high.

Nutrition standards for school served in schools

In 2006, the Latvian government implemented legislation that prohibited the sale/availability of soft drinks, drinks with added colours, sweeteners, preservatives and caffeine on all school premises.
In 2012, the government set salt levels for all food served in educational institutions. Levels may not exceed 1.25g of salt per 100g of food product; fish products may contain up to 1.5g of salt per 100g of product. The standards also apply in hospitals and long-term social care institutions (see below).

Order V-964 on catering standards for schools

In November 2011, the Lithuanian Ministry of Health approved Order V-964, which set catering standards for pre-schools, secondary schools and children’s social care institutions. Food and nutrient-based standards exist for lunches (eg obligatory vegetable and fruit offering, “oil-boiled” foodstuffs, sweets and savoury pastry are prohibited), drinking water must be provided and soft drinks are prohibited.

Rulebook on nutrition standards and meals for students

In September 2014, the Macedonian Ministry of Education’s Rulebook on nutrition standards and meals in primary schools was implemented, setting limits on permissible salt, sugar and fat levels of food served in primary schools. Kindergartens and holiday camps are subject to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy’s Rulebook on standards and norms for services provided by institutions caring for children, implemented in January 2014. It contains intake requirements on calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals based on WHO recommendations. The nutrition standards for kindergartens are widely implemented. The implementation of the elementary school nutrition standards is reported to move at a slower pace, mostly because elementary schools use external catering services which take longer to adjust to the nutrient limits.

In September 2016, the Macedonian Ministry of Education implemented the Rulebook on nutrition standards and meals for the students living in student dormitories. The nutrition standards, based on population-based nutrition guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Institute of Public Health, outline specific nutrient levels (for calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, sugars, vitamins, minerals) which apply to meals served in all university student dormitories in both public and private dormitories in Macedonia. The nutrition standards include recommended food and dishes for individual meals and recommended frequency of certain food categories.

The Guide for Healthy School Canteen Management

The Guide for Healthy School Canteen Management (2012), developed by the Ministry of Education and mandatory for public schools, categorises food items into those which may be sold, those which are not encouraged to be sold and those whose sale is prohibited in school canteens. Prohibited food includes sweets, preserved food, extruded snacks containing artificial flavours and colourings (which are snacks mainly based on corn flour or a combination of flours undergoing extrusion and then coating with a combination of vegetable oil and seasoning), and food and beverages containing alcohol. The list of prohibited food is under review (2016), in particular with respect to carbonated drinks.

Ban on unhealthy foods and drinks in schools

In 2009, a regulation was passed in Mauritius banning soft drinks, including diet soft drinks, and unhealthy snacks from canteens of pre-elementary, elementary and secondary schools.

Mandatory guidelines for food and beverages in schools

In August 2010, the Mexican Ministries of Education and Health issued a set of mandatory food and beverage guidelines for elementary schools for roll-out in 2011–14. They were developed under the framework of the National Agreement for Healthy Nutrition. The guidelines promote the daily intake in schools of healthy food, such as fruit, vegetables and water; ban sodas; limit the availability of other soft drinks, whole milk, salty and sweet snacks, and desserts that comply with nutritional criteria to a maximum of two days per week; and prohibit completely products that do not comply with the nutritional criteria. The guidelines were updated in 2014. The revised guidelines extend the standards to secondary schools, include recommendations for food brought into schools from home, and increase the stringency of some of the nutrient criteria.

Health Directive No 063 on Promotion of Healthy Kiosks and School Canteens

In March 2015, Health Directive No 063 Promotion of Healthy Kiosks and School Canteens was adopted in Peru. The Health Directive establishes recommendations for food provided in school kiosks and canteens, including the amount of energy to be supplied in lunches. School kiosks and canteens are evaluated twice a year at the regional level using a scorecard provided within the Health Directive. School kiosks and canteens that meet the indicators of the evaluation are graded as healthy and given a green pennant.

The Amended Act on Food and Nutrition Safety

In 2014, the Ministry of Health amended the Polish Act on Food and Nutrition Safety from 2006 (Journal of Laws, item 1225; amended by Act of 28 November 2014 amending the Act on Food and Nutrition Safety, Journal of Laws, item 1256) to include rules for sale, advertising and promotion of food (based on a list of food categories) and nutrition standards for canteens in pre-schools, primary and secondary schools. It outlines nutrition standards for food and beverages intended for sale: ≤0.12g sodium/100g/ml of product, ≤10g sugar/100g/ml (except breakfast cereals ≤15g sugar/100g), and ≤10g fat/100g of product. The regulation also includes food category-specific restrictions. The amendments came into effect on 1 September 2015.

The Guidelines on Menus and School Cafeterias and the Guidelines for School Buffets

The National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) collaborates with the Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for food supply in schools, including the Guidelines on Menus and School Cafeterias (2018) and the Guidelines for School Buffets (2012). These guidelines are mandatory.

The Guidelines on Menus and School Cafeterias (2018) are a fundamental document that promotes healthy food offer in all public schools, from pre-school to secondary school. They introduce a new and improved approach to food in schools, including vegetarian meals and meals based on the Mediterranean diet. The guidelines define recommendations on energy and nutrients requirements for each age group (from 3 to 18 years old).

The Guidelines for School Buffets (2012) apply to school cafeterias and to vending machines which provide food between meals to students. The guidelines set forth a guide for a healthy food offer, defining the food groups that: (1) can be promoted, (2) must be limited and (3) cannot be provided. School buffets must respect a 3 to 1 proportion between the food products that can be promoted and the ones that must be limited, respectively.

Foods that cannot be provided include confectionery, snacks, fast-food, processed red meats and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Ministerial Order on maximum amounts of sugar, fat and salt in school food

In 2008, the Ministry of Public Health published implementation regulations for Law 123/2008 regarding healthy food in pre-university educational settings (kindergarten to high school). These regulations include a list of a foods that are prohibited from being sold and served in these settings. The list of prohibited foods includes soft drinks, foods high in sugar (more than 15g of sugar per 100 g), fat (more that 20 g of fat, including more than 5 g of saturated fat and 1 g of trans fat per 100 g), salt (more that 1.5 g per 100 g). Further, soft drinks and high energy foods (more than 300 Kcal per 100g) are also prohibited and drinking water must be accessible.

The Law on School Nutrition

All school meals must follow dietary guidelines as set out by Slovenia’s Law on School Nutrition (2010, amended in 2013). The Act is complemented by dietary guidelines (including a list of food that is not recommended), recipe books, cross-curriculum nutrition education and food procurement standards available to all schools.

Evaluations

Gregorič M et al. (2015) School nutrition guidelines: overview of the implementation and evaluation. Public Health Nutrition, 18(9), 1582-1592.

The Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life

In South Korea, the sale of sugary drinks within school premises, along with other energy-dense and nutrient poor foods is prohibited. Originally enacted as an action of a Special Presidential Committee in 2007, it is now enforced by the Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life.

Law on Nutrition and Food Safety (Ley 17/2011)

In 2011, the Spanish Parliament approved a Law on Nutrition and Food Safety (Ley 17/2011) that prevents kindergartens and schools from selling food and beverages high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar.

The Good School Meals Guidelines

The Swedish school meal model offers free meals to all children in the ages 7-16, on a mandatory basis, and to most students aged 16-19, on a voluntary basis. The Swedish Education Act came into force 1 July 2011 requiring school meals to be nutritious and equal a third of the recommended daily intake of energy and nutrients for children up to the age of 19. Schools and municipalities are obliged to ensure that the food served is nutritious. The use of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations to define ‘nutritious’ meals is not mandatory, but they are recommended as a point of reference. The provision of school meals is the responsibility of each municipality.

The National Food Agency was commissioned to work with the Swedish National Agency of Education by the Ministry of Education and Research to develop school food guidelines. The Good School Meals Guidelines, published in 2007 and revised in 2013, are for primary schools, secondary schools and youth recreation centres. The guidelines include age-specific reference values for energy and nutritional content in school lunches and portion sizes, and drinks are limited to water and milk. Ice cream, pastries and sweets are not provided by the school. The quality of school meals is monitored and assessed by an online tool (SkolmatSverige), and used by over three-quarters of schools in Sweden.

Ban on sugar–sweetened drinks in public schools

In May 2017, the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health introduced a ban on the sale or serving of sugar-sweetened drinks at all government and government-assisted schools. Banned sweetened drinks include soft drinks, juice drinks, flavoured water, sports/energy drinks, tea and coffee, and milk-based drinks with added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Only water, 100% juice, low-fat milk and blended vegetable or fruit drinks can be sold at schools. The changes were introduced in a phased approach and all cafeterias and canteens needed to be in full compliance by September 2017.

The School Canteen Guidelines for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The School Canteen Guidelines for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (2011–12) are set and revised by a joint committee of representatives from the Abu Dhabi Education Council, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority and the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. The guidelines set out the requirements vendors must meet to obtain a licence to operate in public and private school canteens. Parents may provide their children with their own packed meals as long as they are in line with the canteen guidelines. The guidelines include calorie requirements for each grade, sample menus, a list of permissible and banned food by category, and nutrient-based standards (eg limits on total fat and sugar content; minimum amounts of macro and micro nutrients). The standards restrict the serving of many energy-dense food, soft drinks and fruit punch, as well as trans fats, mono-sodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, colours and artificial flavours, caffeine and hot and spicy sauces.

Nutritional Requirements for food and drink in schools — Scotland, UK

The Nutrition Requirements for food and drink in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 set high nutritional standards for all food and drinks served in schools. The first set of nutrient standards is designed to ensure that an average school lunch provides an appropriate amount of energy and nutrients for school age children and young people (different amounts for primary and secondary schools). The second set of food and drink standards apply to all other parts of the school day (including but not limited to breakfast clubs, after school clubs, tuckshops) and includes limitations on fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt content. The 2008 Regulations will be replaced by the Nutritional Requirements for food and drinks in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020 on 8 April 2021. Key changes include: the school lunch nutritional requirements for energy and nutrients has been updated to reflect current dietary advice; increased access to fruit and vegetables; reduction in sugar content of school lunches; limitations on fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt content of a wider range of foods and drinks; provision of red and red processed meat brought into line with the recommendations set out in the dietary goals. 

The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 — Scotland, UK

This Act makes health promotion a central purpose of schools, by promoting the physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing of pupils in attendance at the school. The Act is accompanied by the Nutritional Requirements for food and drinks in school Regulations. 

Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulation 2013 — Wales, UK

The Health Eating Regulations set out the types of food and drink that can and cannot be provided during the school day and defines the nutrient content of school lunches. Local authorities and governing bodies must comply with these regulations. Anyone who is involved in providing food and drink in maintaing schools in Wales should be aware of the statutory requirements if they plan menus, putchase and procure food and prepare food for/in school. 

Standards and guideliens: food and nutrition for childcare settings — Wales, UK

These guidelines and standards provide recommendations for childcare settings on the foods and drinks that should be offered on sites and are based on the Eatwell Guide. These standards specifically include a ban on sugary drinks, fruit juices and smoothies. The Care Inspectorate in Wales covers adherence to Standards as part of their inspection process. 

Nutritional Standards for School lunches and other food and drinks — Northern Ireland 

The Nutritional Standards for School Lunches and Other Food and Drinks in Schools were developed in 2007/08 to ensure that all food provided in grant‐aided schools reflects government guidance on healthy eating. Since the standards were introduced evidence and research has shown that we should eat more fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre whilst reducing the amount of sugar, salt, fat and processed meats. Government guidance on healthy eating, as outlined in the Food Standard’s Agency’s Eatwell Guide, has been updated to reflect this. The Department has established a project to update the Nutritional Standards for school food to reflect this. The Department ran a public consultation on the draft Update to Nutritional Standards for School Food in early 2020. However the project was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Subject to available resources, it is hoped that the project will be restarted with a view to implementing the updated standards during 2022.

Nutritional standards for food served in schools – UK

Standards for school food came into force on 1 January 2015 and are set out in the requirements for School Food Regulations 2014. Compliance with the School Food Standards is mandatory for all stated-funded schools (including all academies and free schools). These school food standards are to ensure that food provided to pupils in school is nutritious and of high quality; to promote good nutritional health in all pupils; protect those who are nutritionally vulnerable and to promote good eating behaviour. The standards are organised by food group, specifically: starchy foods; fruit and vegetables; foods high in fat, sugar, and salt; and healthier drinks. The regulations apply to school lunches provided to registered pupils, whether on the school premises or not,. They also apply to food and drink other than lunch, provided to pupils across the school day, including breakfast clubs, tuck shops, mid-morning break, vending and after school clubs.

Evaluations

Spence S et al. (2014) Did School Food and Nutrient-Based Standards in England Impact on 11-12Y Olds Nutrient Intake at Lunchtime and in Total Diet? Repeat Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS ONE,  9(11), e112648.

Adamson A et al. (2013) School food standards in the UK: implementation and evaluation. Public Health Nutrition, 16(6), 968-981.

Spence S et al. (2013) The Impact of Food and Nutrient-Based Standards on Primary School Children’s Lunch and Total Dietary Intake: A Natural Experimental Evaluation of Government Policy in England. PLoS ONE, 8(10), e78298.

The Healthy Hunger – Free Kids Act (HHFKA)

The US Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 sets nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs which were implemented in July 2014 based on an interim final rule published in June 2013. A final rule on nutrition standards for all food sold in schools as required by the HHFKA was published in July 2016, introducing minor changes based on comments received on the interim final rule. The standards for total fat are retained as “interim” in the final rule and may be amended in the future. The Act also establishes guidelines for "competitive food" in the Smart Snacks in School Program. Standards include limits on the amount of fat, saturated fat, salt and added sugars permitted in food. Beverages are also restricted to water, low-fat or non-fat milk. Calorie-free carbonated beverages are permitted in high schools.

There are also many state-level rules in place. Some states, including California and Colorado, have restrictions specific to trans fats. For example, in 2008, California adopted Senate Bill No. 1498 which prohibited, as of 1 July 2009, elementary, middle and high schools from making artificial trans fats available through vending machines or school food service establishments during school hours and up to 1/2 hour before and after school hours. In Colorado, Senate Bill 12-086 (2012) prohibits a public school or institute charter school from making available to a student a food item that contains any amount of industrially produced trans fat.

States also have a range of different rules on "à la carte lines" (ie food options that supplement the school lunch programme choices and stores inside schools). For example, Arizona, Rhode Island and Florida have bans on "à la carte lines" in elementary schools. 17 other states have strict restrictions (eg specific lists of restricted food or nutritional criteria) that apply at "à la carte lines" in elementary schools. 15 states have strict restrictions on food available at "à la carte lines" in middle schools, while 11 states apply strict restrictions at high school level.

Arizona, District of Colombia, Florida and Texas have complete bans on school stores in elementary schools, and 13 states have strict restrictions on the food available in stores in elementary schools. 11 states have strict restrictions on the food available in school stores in middle schools, while eight states apply restrictions at high school level.

For more details see State Laws for School Snack Foods and Beverages.

Evaluations

Johnson DB et al. (2016) Effect of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act on the Nutritional Quality of Meals Selected by Students and School Lunch Participation Rates. JAMA Pediatr, 170(1), e153918.

Minaya S & Rainville AJ (2016) How Nutritious Are Children’s Packed School Lunches? A Comparison of Lunches Brought From Home and School Lunches. Journal of Child Nutrition and Management, 40(2).

Law No. 19.140 on healthy eating in schools

In September 2013, the government of Uruguay adopted Law No. 19.140 on healthy eating in schools. It mandated the Ministry of Health to develop standards for food available in canteens and kiosks in schools, prohibited advertising for these same food items, and restricted the availability of salt shakers. The school food standards were elaborated in March 2014 in two further documents: Regulatory Decree 60/014 and the National Plan of Health Promoting Schools. The standards aimed to promote food with “natural nutritional value” with a “minimum degree of processing" and to limit the intake of free sugars, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. Limits are set per 100g of food, 100ml of drink and also per 50g portion. Prohibited food includes sugary beverages and energy drinks, confectionery, salty snacks, cakes and chocolate. The school food standards and restrictions on advertising began to be implemented in public schools in 2015 and are being monitored for compliance.

The Sweet Drink Policy

Vanuatu’s Sweet Drink Policy, introduced in October 2014 as part of the Vanuatu Health Promoting School Program and in the context of regulation order No. 44 of 2005 on health and safety requirements in schools, came into effect on the first day of Term 1, 2015. The policy bans the sale, consumption and advertising of sugary drinks and instead promotes water, plain milk and fresh coconut water.

National Guidelines for nutrition in Primary Schools 

These standards have been adopted by the ministry of health under its mandate to the Primary and Secondary Education Act. The guidelines contain practical instructions on diet planning and compiling menus in primary schools, taking into account:

- reference values ​​for daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates and fiber, fats, minerals, vitamins and water for children aged 7 to 18 

- recommendations on the diet, i.e. on the number, type and schedule of meals;

- recommended types of food and dishes;

- food to be avoided or consumed as rarely as possible.

The guidelines also emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to school nutrition, nutritional needs, but also the educational process of adoption proper eating habits. 

The Green Food Zones

In 2010, the South Korean Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life incorporated provisions to improve the nutritional quality of school meals and sets nutrition and food-based standards for other food on sale in schools. Additionally, this Act establishes Green Food Zones, banning the sale of energy dense and nutrient poor foods including fast food and soda within school premises and stores within 200 metres of schools. In 2017, Green Food Zones existed at over 10,515 schools (over 90% of schools). The provisions were implemented in 2009–10.

Voluntary school food guidelines – Australia

In 2011, Australia introduced the voluntary school food guidelines "National Healthy School Canteens: guidelines for healthy food and drinks supplied in school canteens” (NHSCGs). The guidelines, updated in 2013, are based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. The guidelines include three components: a national food categorisation system for school canteens, training materials for canteen staff and an evaluation toolkit. The food categorisation system uses a traffic light system to distinguish food categories that should be promoted and those that should be limited based on their nutritional value: red (not recommended), amber (select carefully) and green (always available). The guidelines provide examples of food within each category and additional nutrient criteria to assist the categorisation of food, mainly in the amber category. Food in the green category should be actively promoted. Food in the red category, such as sugar- and artificially sweetened drinks, food high in sugar, fat and/or salt and food containing excessive energy, should not be sold in school canteens. Implementation of the guidelines is at the discretion of each state or territory government.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Northern Territory (NT) and Tasmania have implemented the national guidelines in full (ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy 2015, NT Canteen, Nutrition and Healthy Eating Guidelines 2013 and Tasmania School Canteen Handbook – a whole school approach to healthy eating 2014) while other states and territories have incorporated components of the guidelines within their own system:

1. The Queensland “Smart Choices – Healthy food and Drink Supply Strategy 2004” closely reflects the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the NHSCGs.
2. The “South Australia Right Bite, Easy Guide to Healthy Food and Drink Supply for South Australian Schools and Preschools” is based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and uses a traffic light food categorisation system similar to the NHSCGs.  
3. The Victorian “Go for Your Life – Victorian Health Canteen Policy – School Canteens and other school food services policy 2006” is largely consistent with the NHSCGs except for a few minor nutrient classifications introduced to reflect the evolving food supply. The policy also includes “School Confectionery Guidelines” which categorise confectionery and high sugar content soft drinks as BLACK. The Victorian Government funds the Healthy Eating Advisory Service to support schools to implement the canteen guidelines.
4. The Western Australian “Healthy Food and Drink Policy 2014” is based on the Federation of Canteens in Schools nutrient criteria which has been recently revised to include traffic light coding in line with the NHSCGs.

New South Wales (NSW) has taken a different approach. The “NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy 2017” is based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and classifies food and drinks as either "everyday" (healthy) or "occasional" (less healthy). The strategy also uses the Health Star Rating (see "N – Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food") to guide users in selecting healthier versions of "occasional" packaged food.

Evaluations

Dick M et al. (2012) Evaluation of implementation of a healthy food and drink supply strategy throughout the whole school environment in Queensland state schools, Australia. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 66, 1124-1129.

Austrian recommendations for lunch in schools 

These recommendations are based on recommendations for lunch in Kindergarten and developed and adapted to the nutrition requirements of school children and youth. They provide a minimum requirement for lunch at school and defines which food groups are offered and how often they should be. The recommendations are intended as a guide for creating menu plans, as an orientation aid for the ordering of menus and / or for the tendering of catering services. It is aimed at everyone who is responsible for the provision of lunch for students are responsible.

The Unser Schulbuffet Programme

The Unser Schulbuffet (Our School Buffet) programme, launched in 2012, is overseen by the Austrian Ministry of Health. The programme provides guidelines for school canteens to follow, including restrictions on certain food including fried products, sweet treats, crisps and savoury snacks, which also apply to vending machines. The guidelines are food-based and informed by the Austrian Food Pyramid. Beyond providing guidelines on nutritional aspects, the guidelines contain advice on the presentation and promotion of healthy options.

Guidelines for food-based standards in schools – Belgium

Flanders (2008) and Wallonia (2013) both have voluntary guidelines with food-based standards for food available in schools, including restrictions on (deep) fried food, sweet treats and soft drinks.

The Healthy Schools Canteens Manual

Mandatory standards are in place for the national school meal programme in Brazil (see "O – Mandatory standards for food available in schools, including restrictions on unhealthy food"). For “school canteens” – kiosks and stores where food can be purchased for takeaway inside public schools – there are voluntary guidelines. The Healthy Schools Canteens Manual, published by the Ministry of Health in 2010, contains voluntary guidelines for the operators of school canteens on how to promote healthy eating in canteens. In 2012, a self-learning course was made available to support canteen managers implement the manual, as part of the Cooperation Agreement signed by the Ministry of Health and the Private Schools National Federation. The Agreement sets out to plan, implement and evaluate strategies that promote health in private schools at a national level (particularly in the areas of healthy eating and the prevention of obesity related non-communicable diseases). A website monitors actions taken by schools and promotes learning between them.

Guidance Document for the development of Nutrient Criteria for Foods and Beverages in Schools

In 2013, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Group on Nutrition (FPTGN), a working group consisting of representatives from all Canadian provinces and territories, released a Guidance Document for the development of Nutrient Criteria for Foods and Beverages in Schools. The Guidance contains nutritional guidelines on food served in schools, classing food products into four groups – vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives – and two categories – Choose Most Often and Choose Sometimes. The guidelines suggest maximum levels for fat, sugar and salt, with the reference quantities being largely based on Health Canada’s Canada Food Guide. The Guidance is not mandatory, but is intended to guide the provinces and territories in their development of new and revision of existing school nutrition policies, and to support the food industry in developing and reformulating products sold in and to schools.

DVFA’s meal recommendations for schools and leisure centres

In 2017, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA’s) published recommendations for healthier food in school which are based on the Danish Official Dietary Guidelines (2013, updated in 2021) and are voluntary for day cares, primary and secondary schools. The DVFA produces a series of checklists and other materials to support school caterers in following these recommendations. It also covers day cares and after school programmes (SFOs).

Guidance document for the food provided in cafeterias and vending machines of schools and kindergartens

The aim of the guidance is to provide recommendations for better food choices in cafeterias and vending machines (schools and kindergartens).

Standards for catering in daycare centers — Germany 

The aim of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) "Quality standard for catering in daycare centers" is to support those responsible for catering in day-care facilities for children in implementing needs-based and balanced catering and thus to enable the children to choose from a full range of meals. The revised DGE - quality standard describes, based on the current scientific data, the criteria for optimal, health- promoting and nutritious catering. These are voluntary standards. 

Standards for catering in schools — Germany 

The aim of the German Nutrition Society  "Quality standard for catering in schools" is to support those responsible for school catering in implementing a balanced lunch and snack menu that is tailored to the needs of children and adolescents and to enable them to eat adequately. Recommendations in these standards include providing products with a low percentage of sugar, fat and salts. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has set voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals in Germany. The guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil. These standards are not mandatory

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has set voluntary guidelines on quality standards for school meals in Germany. The guidelines recommend that schools provide water and unsweetened herbal or fruit teas and prohibit drinks that are high in sugar including juices and energy drinks. The guidelines contain a 20-day plan suggesting serving whole grains on at least four days and potato products a maximum of four days; salad, vegetables or legumes each day; fruit at least eight times; dairy products (ideally low-fat) at least eight times; fish at least four times and meat a maximum of eight times; rapeseed oil is the only permitted oil.

Many local school authorities (Schulträger) contractually require food suppliers to adhere to DGE quality standards. Two German states, Berlin and Saarland, have enshrined the voluntary guidelines in law (see above under "R – Mandatory standards for food available in schools, including restrictions on unhealthy food").

Guidelines for food in schools – Hong Kong

In 2006, the government's Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong issued guidelines for tuck shop operators in primary schools, as well as parents and school personnel, to guide the types of food and drink items to be allowed and promoted in the school environment for the benefit of children's health. They were revised to include secondary schools in 2010.

The Food and Beverage Standards 

In Malta, public schools have to comply with a list of permissible and prohibited food and beverages based on the 2014 Healthy Lifestyle (Reducing Obesity) Act and Food and Beverage Standards for food consumed in schools (set by the Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment in 2007 and amended in 2015). The standards include nutrient-based guidelines for food and drink providers with limits for fats, sugar and salt per 100g or ml. The standards are mandatory in public schools and voluntary in most private schools, with public schools monitored for compliance.

Guidelines for Healthier School Canteens

The Guidelines for Healthier Canteens were developed by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) in 2003, as part of the Healthy School Canteens Programme, under a commission from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. Schools can voluntarily apply these guidelines to make their canteens and vending machines healthier with (small) changes. The guidelines focus on changing behaviour by adapting canteen environments and thus making healthy choices the easiest ones. This also includes encouraging drinking water.

Based on the changes they make to their food environments, schools can be awarded Silver, Gold or Ideal School Canteen Badges. A canteen is awarded a Silver Badge if at least 60% of their products follow to the Dutch dietary guidelines (the Wheel of Five). To receive a Gold Badge, 80% of products available in the school must meet nutritional criteria, and they must also be presented in an appealing way to students. Silver and Golden Badge Canteens thus give healthier products a leading role, without completely banning unhealthy choices. Schools in which only products from the Wheel of Five are available can receive an Ideal School Canteen Badge.

These guidelines are voluntary, but schools can get tailored free advice from a so–called Healthy Canteen Brigade, set up by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre in order to stimulate implementation.

The National Guideline for Food and Meals in Schools

The National Guideline for Food and Meals in Schools were published in 2015, as a revision of the Guidelines for the School Meal of 2003, but with more details and containing new recommendations. The guidelines are voluntary and include recommendations on the implementation of the meal (meal time, supervision, physical and social arrangements), the nutritional quality of the food and drink offered, food safety and hygiene, and environmental considerations. Specific recommendations are made for primary schools and the after-school programs; secondary schools; and high school. Separate guidelines for kindergartens were also published, which mirror the principles outlines above, but adapt them for younger children.

The guidelines recommend having a varied and mainly plant-based diet, with lots of vegetables, fruits and berries, whole grains and fish, and limited amounts of processed meat, red meat, salt, sugar and saturated fat. Some food and beverages categories should be limited, for example juices to maximum 250ml, completely excluding sweetened and caffeinated beverages, as well as chocolates, crisps and other snacks. Desserts and other products that are high in fat and sugar should be limited for special occasions. The guidelines also recommend limits for salt content: 3–4g per day for under 10s; and 5–6g per day for older students. Finally, the guidelines state that a healthy diet coincides with a more environmentally friendly diet which includes more plant-based food and fish and less meat, especially less red meat.

The Ministry of Health's School Food Guidelines

In 2008, the Polish National Institute of Food and Nutrition issued School Food Guidelines that are recommended by the Ministry of Health. The guidelines set out nutrient-based standards for food served in schools.

The Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP)

In 2011, the Health Promotion Board of Singapore, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, launched the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP), which was formerly the Model School Tuckshop Programme, launched in 2003. The programme enhances the availability of healthier food and beverage choices in schools through an integrated programme that involves teachers, canteen vendors and students. Canteen vendors from participating schools are expected to follow food service guidelines which aim to reduce the amount of saturated fat, sugar, and salt in school meals and make available whole grains, fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced meal. The Health Promotion Board supports schools by organising culinary and nutrition training for canteen vendors (see “G – Give nutrition education and skills"), and engages nutritionists and dietitians to assess participating schools to ensure compliance to the HMSP criteria. Educational resources are also provided as part of the programme to encourage students to eat a healthy diet. Revised food service guidelines came into effect on 1 January 2016.

The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)

The South African Department of Basic Education, in cooperation with the Provincial Education Departments, runs the voluntary National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which evolved out of the Primary School Nutrition Programme introduced in 1994. Since 2009, both primary and secondary schools benefit from the programme. More than 20 000 schools take part in the NSNP whereby more than 9 million learners participate on the programme. The programme provides cooked meals which are based on the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines (2012). Cooked meals consist of a protein, carbohydrate and fresh vegetables or fruit on all school days. Protein used consist of once a week UHT milk or pasteurised maas, pilchards in tomato, soya mince, sugar beans, lentils or split peas. A new product, canned chicken livers are in the process of being introduced on the NSNP menu. The NSNP also promotes vegetable gardens to teach children to grow food and use the produce as part of the school meals. The programme also provides Nutrition Education whereby tuck shop guidelines were developed to advise to sell healthy food (eg fresh fruit, nuts, brown bread sandwiches) and healthy beverages (eg plain water, 100% fruit juice, unsweetened milk).

Consensus Document on Standards on Foods Offered in all Educational Settings

In 2010, the plenary session of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System adopted the Document on Standards on Foods Offered in all Educational Settings (DoCACE – Documento de Consenso sobre la Alimentación en los Centros Educativos), with the agreement not only of the health authorities, but also of the educational authorities and scientific societies. 

This document establishes nutritional standards for food and drinks offered in school canteens and vending machines, which can be used by regional authorities to determine what food and drinks are allowed. These recommendations apply to all educational settings, including primary and secondary schools. These standards specify how often each food group should be part of weekly menus to meet nutritional standards. The menus must also be developed to meet 35% of daily nutritional needs.

These standards are voluntary in nature, however, educational authorities usually consider them in the preparation of their technical prescriptions for public procurement of menus served in school canteens. Further these standards have been established as mandatory by some auronomous regions. 

In addition, Law 17 of 2011 establishes a mechanism for enforcement of these standards across Spain, whereby development of school food menus must also be supervised by a trained nutritionist. 

The Thai School Lunch Programme

In 2008, the Thai Department of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), announced a voluntary ban of soda and sugary packaged snacks in elementary and secondary schools under OBEC. It has been implemented by the majority of schools under OBEC.

The voluntary Thai School Lunch Programme was implemented in 1999, recommending schools to provide meals and snacks in line with the nutrient standards of the Thai Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) (last amended 2003). Three RDIs exist for different age groups: 3–5 years (1,200kcal), 6–12 years (1,550kcal) and 13–18 years (2,000kcal). School meals and snacks should make up 40% of the RDI, and recommend a distribution ratio of 55–60% carbohydrates, 10–15% protein and 25–30% fat. In addition, the RDIs set maximum levels of protein, fat, total carbohydrate and cholesterol, and contain recommended levels of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C), folate and calcium. The guidelines are intended to prevent both undernutrition and overweight/obesity. In 2013, the budget per lunch per pupil was increased from 13 Thai Baht (about US$0.4) to 20 Thai Baht (about US$0.6) to increase the quality of school lunches. Due to a lack of monitoring and evaluation capacity of the Ministries in charge of the programme (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior), it is unclear how widely the RDIs are implemented.

Food in schools policy — Northern Ireland 

The Food in Schools Policy is an overarching policy advocating a ‘whole-school approach’ to all food provided and consumed in schools and developing knowledge and skills in relation to healthy eating and lifestyles. It is a joint Department of Education and Department of Health policy which applies to all grant-aided schools. The policy has elements that are mandatory for all schools such as the Nutritional Standards for School Lunches and elements which are strongly recommended but which ultimately schools have discretion to decide upon within their local context, in consultation with pupils, parents and others. From 2007 to 2011 The Education and Training Inspectorate’s Nutritional Associates were in place to monitor the implementation of the policy. No specific funding assigned as it is an overarching policy of existing policies/strategies however specific funding for the implementation of the Nutritional Standards element of the policy was provided until 2015.

The Public School Food and Drink Policy

In February 2014, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government announced the removal of vending machines from ACT public schools. The 2015 Australia Capital Territory’s Public School Food and Drink Policy prohibits food and drink vending machines on public school premises.

The Healthy Schools Vending Machine and Cafetaria Policy

In 2006, Bermuda implemented the Healthy Schools Vending Machine and Cafeteria Policy which bans sodas and snacks from vending machines on school premises. Only plain, unsweetened water and/or 100% fruit juice is permitted.

The French Public Health Act of 2004

Based on the French Public Health Act of 2004 (Law No. 2004-806, Article 30), vending machines containing drinks and snacks are not allowed in schools since 1 September 2005. Fruit and bottled water must be made available.

Evaluations

Capacci S et al. (2018) Breaking habits: the effect of the french vending machine ban on school snacking and sugar intakes. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 27(1), 88-111.

Ban on vending machines in schools – Slovenia

In 2010, Slovenia adopted a ban on vending machines on school premises (since incorporated into the 2013 School Nutrition Law). It was introduced to reduce consumption of unhealthy food, but also to decrease possible marketing space on the exterior of vending machines.

Vending machine junk food ban  — Wales, UK

Since 2008, junk foods, such as crisps, chocolate and sugary drinks, have been removed from vending machines in NHS hospitals in Wales. 

Bans on vending machines – USA

Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana and Texas have had bans on vending machines in elementary schools since 2008–09. Thirteen states have restrictions (either lists specifying restricted food or nutritional criteria) on the content of vending machines in middle schools. Nine states have restrictions that apply in high schools (for more details see State Laws for School Snack Food and Beverages).

Healthy Schools Bermuda

Since 2008, Healthy Schools in Bermuda has partnered with a charity that provides healthy breakfasts to at-risk school-age children. The milk served in this programme must be low in fat.

For more information about Healthy Schools see “O – Mandatory standards for food available in schools, including restrictions on unhealthy food”.

Subsidised milk initiative

In order to support efforts of the Mexican government to reduce obesity, Liconsa, the government-owned company that purchases and distributes subsidised milk to low-income households, switched two-thirds of its milk supply to low-fat milk in 2013.

Guidelines for the Provision of Healthy Meals by Social Care Entities

The Guidelines for the Provision of Healthy Meals by Social Care Entities present a set of basic guidelines for the preparation of healthy menus by social care entities. These include aid associations and groups, foundations, charities and other organisations which provide daily meals to various groups of the population, namely the elderly, children and socioeconomically vulnerable citizens. The guidelines are based on the most updated scientific knowledge and promote local products and the Mediterranean dietary pattern (taking into consideration cooking methods and culture). These guidelines follow the food-based dietary guidelines for the Portuguese population, known as the “Roda dos Alimentos” (Food Wheel).

Nutrition standards for the Operational Program to Support the Most Deprived (POAPMC)

Established in 2017, the Operational Program to Support the Most Deprived (POAPMC) distributes food to the most deprived people, reaching more than 80,000 beneficiaries, distributed among several regions. The POAPMC food baskets aim to ensure 50% of the daily energy and nutritional requirements of the beneficiaries. The POAPMC collaborates with the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS) to ensure that the food provided is nutritionally adequate in accordance with the food-based dietary guidelines for the Portuguese population, known as the “Roda dos Alimentos” (Food Wheel) (see "I – Development and communication of food-based dietary guidelines"). The POAPMC food supply is also ensured based on procurement standards (see "H –  Nutrition standards for public procurement").

The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC)

In January 2015, the US Healthy Food Banking Wellness Policy was adopted and put into effect by the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC). The policy aims to increase the amount of healthy, nutritious and locally grown food obtained and provided by the CAPSBC Food Bank, which provides emergency food to agencies throughout the county. The Healthy Food Banking Wellness Policy provides guidelines to help with the procurement of healthful food, including fruit and vegetables (fresh or canned with no sugar added), whole grains, low-fat, unsweetened dairy products, protein (lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, pulses), healthy beverages (water, 100% juice and low-fat, unsweetened milk or milk substitutes) and where possible, locally produced food. The policy has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of produce procured.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District ban on sale of sugary drinks

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District in New South Wales passed an internal directive in April 2016 banning the sale of sugary drinks at their health facilities by December 2016. The majority of the sites had implemented the ban by September 2016. Sugary drinks include any drink with sugar added during processing with the exception of diet soft drinks, diet energy drinks, 99–100% fruit juices and flavoured milk drinks.

The Western District Health Service ban on sugary drinks

Since November 2015, the Western District Health Service (WDHS) in Victoria prohibits the sale of sugary drinks, including fruit juices, in cafeterias and vending machines from its hospitals and health centres on a voluntary basis; all their campuses have implemented the ban. The only permitted beverages are water and low-fat flavoured milk in containers not exceeding 300ml. In June 2016, 12 other health services in South-Western Victoria agreed to implement such a sugary drinks ban over a two-year period.

The Queensland Health Service Directive on unhealthy drinks

Effective from 1 July 2019, the Queensland government’s Health Service Directive (QH-HSD-049:2019) prohibits the sale, provision, promotion and advertising of unhealthy drinks in all publicly owned hospital and health services facilities, for staff and visitors. Beverages classified as RED drinks (under a traffic light system) cannot be sold in the facilities, which include drinks with added sugar, cream, ice cream, sorbet, gelato or confectionaries; and larger serving sizes of juices, flavoured milks, milk-based drinks, hot drinks and artificially sweetened beverages. Beverages exempt from the directive included those served with inpatient, residential and aged-care meals; and those purchased offsite and brought into facilities by patients, visitors or staff for personal consumption.

Evaluations

Miller J et al. (2014) Implementation of A Better Choice Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for staff and visitors in government-owned health facilities in Queensland, Australia. Public Health Nutrition, 18(9), 1602-1609.

Government–endorsed guidelines for healthier food and drinks in health facilities

Governments in all Australian states and territories implement mandatory (ACT, WA, SA and NT) or voluntary government endorsed guidelines (NSW, Qld, Vic and Tas) to assist healthier food and drink choices in health facilities (and public sector workplaces in Tas and the ACT). Queensland Health was the first to adopt these guidelines in health facilities in 2007. In all jurisdictions, the guidelines are based on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Dietary Guidelines and Guide to Healthy Eating. Most use a traffic light system to distinguish food that should be promoted, and those that should be limited based on their nutritional value: red (limit), amber (choose carefully) and green (best choices). NSW classifies food and drinks as either "everyday" (healthy) or "occasional" (unhealthy). To varying degrees, the guidelines in each jurisdiction cover: the types of products available for sale through retail outlets and vending machines; product advertising and promotion; use of products for fundraising, rewards, incentives, prizes and giveaways; catering for meetings and events; and sponsorships. The most comprehensive guidelines make explicit that:

1. green products must make up at least 50% of products for sale (ACT, Qld, Vic, WA, NT), "everyday" food and drinks must make up at least 75% of the offering (NSW)
2. red products (eg food and drinks high in sugar, fat and/or salt) cannot make up more than 20% of products for sale (ACT, Qld, Vic, WA, SA, NT), "occasional" food and drink cannot make up more than 25% of the offering (NSW)
3. portion size limits apply to some "everyday" and all "occasional" food and drinks (NSW)
4. only green products (ACT, Qld, WA, NT) and "everyday" food and drinks (NSW) can be promoted or advertised
5. green products must be most prominently displayed (ACT, Qld, Vic, WA, SA, NT, Tas)
6. prominent locations in a food outlet, value pricing and promotional activities only highlight "everyday" food and drinks (NSW)
7. red products are not to be used for fundraising, incentives, rewards or giveaways (ACT, Qld, WA, Vic, SA, NT)
8. catering should consist mostly of green products and not contain red products (ACT, Qld, Vic, WA, SA, Tas, NT)
9. the government’s logo cannot be displayed alongside red or amber products (ACT, Vic)
10. sugary drinks (drinks with any sugars added during processing, excluding milks drinks) are not to be sold (NSW – phased approach by December 2017)

Evaluations

Miller J et al. (2014) Implementation of A Better Choice Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for staff and visitors in government-owned health facilities in Queensland, Australia. Public Health Nutrition, 18(9), 1602-1609.

Queensland Health (2010) A Better Choice – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities: Evaluation Report. Queensland Health, Brisbane.

Ordinance No 1.274 – Procurement guidelines for food purchases in the Ministry of Health

In July 2016, the Brazilian Ministry of Health implemented procurement guidelines for any food served or sold for purchase in the Ministry and its entities (Ordinance No. 1.274 of 7 July 2016). The guidelines are based on the Food Guide for the Brazilian population. At least one seasonal fruit has to be offered, and sugar-sweetened juice, soft drinks or sweets cannot be sold or served. Ultraprocessed food may only be used in exceptional cases if it is used in meals which are prepared from mostly unprocessed or minimally processed food. Ultraprocessed food is defined by the Ordinance as food which is mainly produced from substances extracted from whole food and/or food components derived from materials synthesised from organic matter, and which contain ≥1mg of sodium per 1kcal, ≥10% of total energy from free sugars, ≥30% of total energy from total fat, ≥10% of total energy from saturated fat and ≥1% of total energy from trans fat (in alignment with PAHO’s Nutrient Profile Model). The Ordinance also mandates sufficient chairs and tables are provided for employees to eat their food.

Nutrition standards in hospitals 

This Decision prescribes the nutrition standards of patients in hospitals. Nutrition standards for patients in hospitals may also be applied in other health care institutions and social welfare institutions.

Regulation on nutrition of Armed Forces 

This regulation prescribes the manner of organizing meals, types of meals, the right and amount of subsidies and other issues related to the nutrition of members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

Nutrition menus in nursing homes 

These norms are based on the Croatian guidelines for diet of the elderly. Beyond menus, the document also cover the other topics of interest to the gerontological and geriatric care organization.

Recommendations for the Danish institutional diet

In 2015, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, together with the National Board of Health and the DTU Food Institute, published recommendations for food in public institutions, including food in Danish hospitals. The recommendations distinguish between food for healthy and food for ill patients. The food for healthy people with a normal appetite must follow the official Danish Dietary Advice thus the general recommendations for healthy food. The food for patients is an important part of the treatment of disease,  therefore the recommendations take into account patients' special needs for energy and nutrients.