Final Report


JHCI has concluded its deliberations on a generic health claim for wholegrain foods and heart health. The claim may now be applied to appropriate foods under the conditions set out in the following report.

Date:
4/2/02

Proposed generic health claim:

People with a healthy heart tend to eat more wholegrain foods as part of a healthy lifestyle


The totality of the evidence substantiates the health claim:

Yes

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No

 

Points to Note:

1. The health impact of a diet containing wholegrain foods depends on the rest of the diet as well as other lifestyle factors such as exercise. The claim must be set within this context.

2. The evidence supports an association between a healthy heart and wholegrain consumption but is insufficient to demonstrate cause and effect.

3. The evidence is insufficient to support claims targeted specifically at men.

4. The claim relates to foods containing 51% or more wholegrain ingredients by weight per serving. The term "wholegrain" refers to the major cereal grains including wheat, rice, maize and oats. The structure for all grains is similar and the grain is made up of three components, the endosperm, the germ and the bran.

5. The JHCI strongly recommends that companies seek advice from the Secretariat before using this claim to help ensure that the food product is consistent with good nutrition principles and complies with the JHCI Code of Practice for Health Claims on Food.

6. The wording of the claim has been carefully formulated to reflect the evidence on which the claim has been approved. Wording may be altered, in consultation with the JHCI, as long as the claim does not imply health benefits beyond the scope of the evidence; change the meaning of the claim; or, confuse consumers.