Sellers often promote collagen supplements as a remedy for intestinal issues and to support cartilage, but these claims are misleading. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) investigated thirty online sales points to check whether sellers comply with legal regulations. Health claims or medical claims were made on 25 websites. Since the use of collagen supplements has no scientifically proven effect, these claims are prohibited. The NVWA has imposed fines for this, and sellers must adjust their websites.
Collagen is a protein that the body produces from food. It is part of connective tissue and is also found in the skin, bones, tendons, teeth, and cartilage. In recent years, collagen supplements have become increasingly popular. Collagen supplements are available in various forms, such as powder, tablets, capsules, and drinks. Sellers mention various health benefits. However, the effect of collagen as a supplement has not been scientifically proven, and therefore health claims are not allowed.
Fines
On 25 out of the 30 investigated websites unlawful claims were made. Half of the misleading claims were medical claims and the other half were health claims. Even larger and well-known drugstore chains were guilty of this deception.
Fines were imposed on the webshops that used prohibited claims. These companies were also required to immediately adjust the texts on their websites. The NVWA will check in the coming months whether this has been done, and if necessary, impose stricter measures until the violations are resolved.
Deception
Medical claims are always prohibited for dietary supplements. Medical claims relate to the prevention or cure of diseases. For example, the examined websites mentioned the beneficial effect on intestinal issues, wound healing, diabetes, inflammation, and joint damage. A health claim is a statement about the health effect of a substance. For the sale of collagen supplements, it was mentioned that these are good for cartilage and help improve mobility. A health claim is only allowed if the effect is scientifically proven and the claim has been approved by the European Union (EU). There are no approved health claims for collagen.
The NVWA conducted research on the websites to ensure that information about collagen supplements is honest, so consumers can make informed choices.
Reporting
The NVWA advises users to remain critical of the claims made about products. Do you have doubts about a food product? Or do you feel misled? Report it to the NVWA.
View the results of the investigated websites by name.
More information
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