The UK-based Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI) has concluded its deliberations on a generic health claim for reduced saturated fat in the diet.
The proposed generic health claim states, "Decreasing dietary saturates (saturated fat) can help lower blood cholesterol." The claim may now be applied to appropriate foods under the conditions set out in a new JHCI report.
The JHCI Expert Committee pointed out that the claim does not include any other factors known to be associated with increased blood cholesterol and that the health impact of decreasing dietary saturates depends on the rest of the diet as well as other lifestyle factors such as exercise.
The group added that health claims made in relation to saturates and blood cholesterol must not be targeted at children less than 2 years of age, or be used to promote sales to children 5 years of age or less.
Set up in June 1997, the JHCI is a joint venture between consumer organisations, enforcement authorities and industry trade associations to address the use of health claims for foods in the UK.
For full details about the health claim for reduced saturated fat in the diet visit the Joint Health Claims Initiative web site.