Berry fruit, cranberries, grapes and others have harvested the benefits of being first called superfoods because of their high antioxidant content, generally accepted to enhance a healthy diet and reduce the threat of disease.
But they may, alongside a growing list of fresh and processed products, shortly come under the legal microscope.
An EC regulation covering nutrition and health claims, which becomes effective on July 1 with a phased implementation plan, seeks to clarify what the term means because there is no definition, revealed Kath Veal, responsible for watching the regulatory scene at the Leathered Food Institute, Surrey.
Speaking at an Open Day seminar, she said the description came from a concept which first received prominence in 1990. Subsequently additional types such as pomegranates and most recently mangosteens and acai.
"But now the message is moving away from fruit as the term is used to cover products, like salmon, tea and soya," she said. And additionally food manufacturers has been creating a range of fruit drinks energy snacking confectionary, and meal solutions.
No comments yet