What statements or claims are prohibited on food labels and advertisements?

Q: What statements or claims are prohibited on food labels and advertisements?

Under Regulation 9 of the Food Regulations , false or misleading statements, words, brands, pictures, or marks purporting to indicate the nature, stability, quantity, strength, purity, composition, weight, origin, age, effects, or proportion of the food or any ingredients are not allowed to be used on food labels and advertisements. This applies also to the use of signs and symbols on food labels. The use of claims for therapeutic or prophylactic action; claims which could be interpreted as advice of a medical nature from any person; claims that a food will prevent, alleviate or cure any disease or condition affecting the human body; and claims that health or an improved physical condition may be achieved by consuming any food, is prohibited. In addition to the above-mentioned claims, with effect from 30 January 2026, the use of the following claims or suggestions that may undermine the safety of other similar foods is prohibited: i. that other food is unsafe for consumption; ii. that an ingredient permitted by the Food Regulations in food is unsafe for consumption; iii. that the food does not contain a food additive that is not permitted by the Food Regulations; or iv. that the food does not contain any substance prohibited from use in food under the Food Regulations You may refer to the Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements for examples of the prohibited claims on food. The use of health claims on infant formula is also prohibited. Please refer to the Health Promotion Board's website for examples of prohibited health claims.

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Accepted Answer

Under Regulation 9 of the Food Regulations, false or misleading statements, words, brands, pictures, or marks purporting to indicate the nature, stability, quantity, strength, purity, composition, weight, origin, age, effects, or proportion of the food or any ingredients are not allowed to be used on food labels and advertisements. This applies also to the use of signs and symbols on food labels. The use of claims for therapeutic or prophylactic action; claims which could be interpreted as advice of a medical nature from any person; claims that a food will prevent, alleviate or cure any disease or condition affecting the human body; and claims that health or an improved physical condition may be achieved by consuming any food, is prohibited. In addition to the above-mentioned claims, with effect from 30 January 2026, the use of the following claims or suggestions that may undermine the safety of other similar foods is prohibited: i. that other food is unsafe for consumption; ii. that an ingredient permitted by the Food Regulations in food is unsafe for consumption; iii. that the food does not contain a food additive that is not permitted by the Food Regulations; or iv. that the food does not contain any substance prohibited from use in food under the Food Regulations You may refer to the Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements for examples of the prohibited claims on food. The use of health claims on infant formula is also prohibited. Please refer to the Health Promotion Board's website for examples of prohibited health claims.

What statements or claims are prohibited on food labels and advertisements?

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