Table 1.
Categories, variables, attributes, concepts and definitions for the coding process
| Category | Variables | Attributes | Concept | Operationalised definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of health-related claims * | Disease Claims (DC) | (1) Absence | Refer to the treatment, prevention or cure of a human illness. | The statement refers to the product’s effects on a disease, making an explicit claim (e.g. brand “X” improves arthrosis) or an implicit claim (e.g. brand “X” relieves joint pain). These claims are not allowed by European Regulation. |
| (2) Presence | ||||
| Function Claims (FC) † | (1) Absence | Refer or describe the role of nutrients or other substances in the growth, development and functions of the body; in psychological and behavioural functions; and in slimming, weight-control, reduction in the sense of hunger or increase in the sense of satiety. | Two examples of claims authorised by EFSA are: Ca is necessary for the preservation of bones in good condition, and it helps normal muscle function and neurotransmission. These claims are solely permitted when based on generally accepted scientific evidence and authorised after review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). |
|
| (2) Authorised | ||||
| (3) Non-Authorised | ||||
| Reduction of Disease Risk Claims (RDRC) † | (1) Absence | State, suggest or imply that the consumption of a food category or one of its constituents significantly reduces a risk factor in the development of a human disease. | An example of a claim authorised by EFSA based on the previously mentioned mineral is: Ca contributes to reduce the loss of bone mineral in post-menopausal women. Low bone mineral density is a risk factor for osteoporotic bone fractures. These claims might be made when authorised by EFSA through the Process for the Assessment of Scientific Support for Claims on Foods (PASSCLAIM) and included in a Community list. |
|
| (2) Authorised | ||||
| (3) Non-Authorised | ||||
| Product content information * | (1) Vitamins † | (1) Absence | The mentioned ingredients and substances contained in the product. | |
| (2) Authorised | ||||
| (3) Non-Authorised | ||||
| (2) Mineral † | (1) Absence | |||
| (2) Authorised | ||||
| (3) Non-Authorised | ||||
| (3) Other substances † | (1) Absence | |||
| (2) Authorised | ||||
| (3) Non-Authorised |
*
Non-exclusive category, since one or more claims can be included in an advertisement. Conceptualisation was based on EU regulation.
†
To encode whether a claim or ingredient has been authorised by EFSA, it was verified in the official website of the EU register on nutrition and health claims. (http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labeling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search).