According to a survey by the Directorate General for Consumption and Fraud Control, of which Europe 1 is publishing part of the results this Monday, out of 300 food products controlled, 44% display health claims which are prohibited by law.
Some of them are based on the anxieties generated by the Covid-19 crisis.
"Prevents cardiovascular disease", "increases immune defenses" ... You may have already read these messages on food products. They are called "health claims", and be aware that they are prohibited. But insofar as the French are more and more aware of the role of food on health, professionals are taking advantage. The DGCCRF, the General Directorate for Consumption and Fraud Control, has looked into these foods that promise great things to consumers. According to the survey conducted by this administration, which Europe 1 reveals to you on Monday exclusively: 44% of the targeted products present an anomaly.
In total, 300 products were verified, mainly teas, herbal teas, breakfast cereals, chocolate and products derived from honey, such as candies for example.
Results: 38% of products sold in stores show anomalies.
There are 69% anomalies for products sold on the Internet.
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Allegations related to the coronavirus epidemic
According to Romain Roussel, chief of staff at the DGCCRF, professionals do not hesitate to surf health news to challenge buyers. "We found, for example, quite surprising claims of the type: 'this product prevents heart disease.' During the lockdown, we saw a large number of fanciful claims popping up on the Internet related to Covid-19, from type: 'allows to fight against Covid-19' or 'allows to strengthen its immune defenses against Covid-19' ", he notes with Europe 1.
You should know that all direct references to a disease are prohibited: such as "reduces eczema" for example. For others, the nuance is more subtle. Thus, the mention "increases the immune system" is prohibited, but the formula "contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system" is authorized. If in doubt, or if you yourself spot a fraud, you can report it on the public service site: SignalConso.