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Section A, Definition of Health Products
I
The member associations of EHPM have agreed the following principles for the definition of health products. They have an obligation to fulfil them. Whilst having agreed to observe these basic rules, they may be extended to meet national requirements.II
Health products are prepared with the specific intention of maintaining and/or improving health.They are as naturally based as possible and conform to these health food principles and rules for quality.
Consumer information regarding the health benefits of such products should be available when required. Health products are preferably sold in specialist stores by trained staff.
Health product include:
- Foods with their full natural nutritional content.
- Food supplements selected to supply nutrients lacking in the diet or to prevent a deficiency.
- Specially selected foods and dietetic foods which are desirable for particular nutritional requirements.
- Natural remedial products such as herbs or herbal preparations.
- Naturally based products for the maintenance or improvement of health.
- Naturally based products used for body and beauty care.
III.
In addition to health products there may also be appropriate literature and equipment which promote the maintenance and development of good health.IV.
Health products should conform to the following general standards, which are defined in the section B.- A careful selection of high quality raw materials, which are nutritionally desirable.
- The ingredients should be grown under conditions that are environmentally desirable.
- The products should have no or minimal residues of pesticides or other such harmful substances.
- Artificial additives and preservatives are not to be used in food products even if legally permitted except to fulfil legal requirements.
- Artificial additives and preservatives are not to be used in other health products even if legally permitted except to fulfil legal requirements or to comply with the essential technical and quality standards.
- Safe natural additives are permitted.
- Harmful technological treatments are not permitted.
- The production and storage methods must be chosen to create no avoidable deleterious change in the original materials.
In order to comply with the definition and principles for health products, the following standards are to be followed:
I. Standards of manufacture
- Raw materials shall be selected to ensure that they are of high nutritional quality, organic if possible (unless included for other approved purposes) and that the methods of treatment, manufacture and storage ensure the preservation of the nutritional components.
- Products containing ingredients obtained by means of a chemical action which has a fundamental effect on the nutritive value of the material in question shall not be allowed.
- No synthetic additives nor synthetic processing aids shall be used even if these are legally permissible.
- Methods of processing shall ensure the maximum retention of the nutritive properties of the product and shall conform to good manufacturing practice. The following specific rules shall apply: a) Separation of ingredients shall, were possible, be carried out by physical and not by chemical means.b) Where drying is necessary, the method used shall be the one that retains the maximum nutritional value.c) Sterilisation shall not be carried out at above 121° C (250° F). Packaging in hermetically sealed containers and deep freezing is acceptable.
II. Standards of composition
Health products shall conform to all the following standards:
- Basic ingredients
The product shall contain all the natural nutritive substances found in the original whole edible raw material with nothing added nor taken away, with these provisos:
a) In the case of foods to supplement the diet, nutritionally advantageous parts of the whole natural product (e.g. bran or wheat germ) are permitted.
b) In the case of extracted liquids ... fruit juices, vegetable juices and edible oils are permitted. Reconstituted juices are not permitted.
c) In the case of dairy products, a specific exception is made in that reduction or removal of fatty ingredients shall be allowed (e.g. skimmed milk powder is allowed).
- Nature of additives
a) No synthetic additives, even if permitted by law, shall be added.
b) The product shall have none or only minimal residues of pesticides or other harmful substances.
c) No refined sugar of any kind shall be added. Raw sugar and honey are permitted but only in minimum quantities dependent on the nature of the product. In cases where additions of raw sugar and honey are made, indications of quantities shall be expressed on the label in the form "not more than x %".
d) No refined salt of any kind shall be added. Sea salt and rock salt are permitted but only in minimum quantities dependent on the nature of the product. In cases where additions of sea salt and rock salt are made, indications of quantities shall be expressed on the label in the form "not more than x %".
e) No animal or hydrogenated fats shall be added.
III. Standards for packaging and marketing
All packaging materials shall be appropriate to their use. Any packaging material in contact with the product shall be a type which eliminates the transfer of foreign substances to the product.
All packaging materials, in addition to complying with legal requirements, shall be selected with the object of preserving the full nutritive value of the contents.
Health products are preferably sold in health food stores where the staff have special experience and training in giving expert advice to customers. Shop display shall be such as to help the customer and not confuse or mislead.
Brighton, 18th April 1986
