‘Adaptogen’ and ‘lozenges’
The Netherlands
The Keuringsraad published an update concerning food supplements and the use of specific terms in product labelling and advertising. The clarification addresses the terminology “adaptogen” (“adaptogeen”) and “lozenges” (“keeltabletten”).
‘Adaptogen’
The term adaptogen (“adaptogeen”) can used for compounds associated with supporting the body’s ability to adapt to physical and mental stressors. According to the Keuringsraad, this terminology refers to a general descriptive concept rather than a specific measurable health effect.
Therefore ‘adaptogen’ is not considered as a medical claim and is permitted on packaging and in advertising materials for food supplements with compounds for which this description applies.
The term has also been included in the indicatieve list of on-hold claims.
‘lozenges’
It has also been determined that the designation lozenges (“keeltabletten”) may be used for throat supplements. In this context, the reference to ‘throat’ is not used as a health claim, but as a categorization of the product, and therefore is accepted on packaging or in advertising materials.