There are various food items available in the market under the title – Super Food. Blueberries, salmon, spinach, soy….the list goes. The companies claim that the consumption of these ‘foods’ will have a significant role in improving one’s health. Some nutritionists  are of the opinion that their (companies’) claim hold water, while some others could not even agree to the advertising slogans of these super foods viz., 'reduced fat', 'good for your heart' etc.

The European Union (EU) has banned the use of such ‘terms’. It found that the terms are misleading. EU made it clear the ‘terms can be used if and only if it is accompanied by a scientific report.

Food Standards Agency made it lucid that, “The use of general terms on food, such as ‘healthy for you’ or ‘superfood’, implies a health benefit. However, these terms do not communicate why the food is healthy or a super food. So, the regulation requires they are backed up by a relevant and authorized health claim. This way the consumer knows why this food is healthy."

Some hundred (roughly) products will come under this category. Some of the experts said that there were no proven evidence for these health benefits and the terms were simply being used for marketing purpose.

Most of the companies say that they have done proper and adequate scientific tests before making ‘such’ claims.

Kevin Hawkins of the British Retail Consortium is of the opinion that, "Our concern is not about the principle of this legislation. It is right that claims such as 'reduced fat' or 'good for your heart' are supported by science but customers must not be denied nutrition and health messages they find valuable. The regulation still risks unintended consequences. It could thwart national health campaigns and compromise innovation of healthier products. We will need to keep the impact of this regulation under review."

Any way the consumer’s right to access the details of the research cannot be taken away.