This brochure provides the international background regarding claims in relation to Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU) including Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP). For more information on FSDU and FSMP, you can access to the ISDI brochure on Foods for Special Dietary Uses and ISDI brochure on Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP).

The CODEX ALIMENTARIUS international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international food trade. Codex standards are based on sound science provided by independent international risk assessment bodies or ad hoc consultations organised by FAO and WHO. The brochure is for general information purpose and aims to facilitate the reading and understanding of the concept of claims in the context of:

• General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods –
  CODEX STAN 1-1985
• General Guidelines on Claims – CAC/GL 1-1979
• Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims – CXG 23-1997
• General Standard for the Labelling of and Claims for Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU) – CODEX STAN 146-1985 and all Standards and Guidelines relevant to FSDU, including but not limited to the Standard for the Labelling of and Claims for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) – CODEX STAN 180-1991. See ISDI brochure on FSDU for more information.

The brochure can be used as a support for Food Business Manufacturers as an educational material (e.g. internal trainings) or as a background element for discussions with national authorities regarding claims and foods for special dietary uses. The brochure does not consider the specific regulations on claims and on FSDU or FSMP in each country and should not be considered in isolation.