FDA's public health goals in evaluating health claims

Scientific developments have increased awareness of possible links between diet and health within the scientific community and in the general public and have generated interest in the use of disease-related health claims on food labels. The enactment of the Nutrition, Labeling, and Education Act for the first time authorizes such claims if they are claims approved by FDA. From FDA's perspective, it is imperative that statements regarding potential health benefits of changes in nutrient intake also take into consideration potential health risk. The ultimate goal must be to capitalize on available scientific evidence and the communication capacity of the food label to assist the consumer in constructing healthier diets.