Case study: audit of claims in animal nutrition
Le 9 January 2025
Regulation of claims in animal feed: how to avoid pitfalls?
Audit of Claims: Example and Compliance
“Chicken kibble”: A nutritional claim
- This label indicates that the product contains chicken.
- According to the FACCO labeling guide, this claim is authorized only if the chicken content is equal to or greater than 4%.
- ⚠️ If the content is lower, the claim becomes misleading and therefore non-compliant.
“Stimulates metabolism in calves”: a functional claim
According to ANSES guidelines for the evaluation of claims in animal feed, the wording of the claim must be precise and allow for the identification of the relevant measurable variable(s) needed to substantiate the claim.
In this case, “stimulates metabolism” is too vague to be scientifically proven and, therefore, should not be approved.
Conclusion
Drafting Compliant Claims to Avoid Sanctions
- Claims must be verifiable and supported by the product composition or scientific data, where applicable.
- Meet regulatory thresholds to avoid misleading claims.
- Avoid any mention that could reclassify the product as a medicine (e.g., references to diseases).
Properly formulating claims ensures the product’s compliance and helps avoid sanctions.
Maîtriser la réglementation en nutrition animale
Is there a list of authorized claims?
No, there is no pre-established list of authorized claims in animal feed. Any claim can be made as long as it is justified.
How are claims monitored?
Claims are monitored a posteriori, meaning after the animal feed has been placed on the market. They must be justified to the inspector through a nutritional analysis or a scientific justification dossier, if applicable.
Can a claim refer to a disease?
No, therapeutic claims are not allowed in animal feed. Such claims could lead to the product being reclassified as a medicinal product by presentation.