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Health Claims on Food Labels

Overview

Food makers can make health claims about certain nutrients, such as calcium, fibre, and fat, that are found naturally in foods. The health claims must be balanced and based on current, reliable scientific studies. And the claims must be approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Health claims may be statements like:

  • "This food is a good source of calcium. Adequate intake of calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis."
  • "Development of cancer depends on many factors. A diet low in total fat may reduce the risk of some cancers."

But just because a food label has a health claim does not mean that the food is healthy for you. For example, a food that is labelled as "a good source of calcium" may still be high in fat, salt, or sugar.

Terms you can trust

A food label includes the front panel, the ingredients list, and the Nutrition facts table. The terms on labels are legally defined for food companies. Phrases such as "low-fat," "light," and "-free" (as in "fat-free") are standardized for all foods. If a food uses one of these terms, you can trust that it meets the criteria for that term.

Food label terms

Term

What it means (per serving)

Calorie-free

Food has less than 5 calories.

Low-calorie

Food has less than 40 calories.

Light

Has 25% less calories or 25% less fat than the regular product.

Fat-free or sugar-free

There's less than 1/2 gram of fat or sugar.

Low-fat

There are 3 grams or less of fat.

Lean

Has 10% or less fat.

Low cholesterol

Food has less than 20 mg of cholesterol and 2 grams or less of saturated fat.

Low sodium

Food has 140 mg or less of sodium.

Good source of

There's at least 15% of the Daily Value of the vitamin or nutrient.

High in fibre

Has 4 or more grams of fibre.

Credits

Adaptation Date: 1/4/2023

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.