Are all functional claims health claims? With the answer being ‘No’, let’s explain the distinctions for different types of functional claims

With more consumers looking for food attributes that actively contribute benefits for consumer lifestyles or nutrition, many food businesses are marketing the functional benefits of their products. The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code permits health claims to be made about foods, within specific conditions. However, not every claim about a functional property of food will trigger the additional regulatory requirements that apply to health claims. This article explores some of the important issues to consider when making functional claims, and provides examples of different types of functional claims.