Question 1

How accurate is ClaimSafe?

Accepted Answer

The free checker screens text against 2,212 current regulatory rules drawn from primary sources, including MHRA, FSA, ASA, the GB and EU health claims registers, and relevant platform policies. It returns factual findings and citations for review, not a compliance verdict or legal advice. A signed regulatory review adds named practitioner assessment and a dated record.

Question 2

What regulations do you check against?

Accepted Answer

We check against MHRA Borderline Guidance (UK medicinal claims), ASA CAP Code Section 15 (UK health claims in advertising), the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register (UK), EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims under Regulation 1924/2006 (EU), EU Novel Food Regulation 2015/2283, FSA novel food rules (UK), and advertising policies for Meta, Google, TikTok, and X. Each ingredient has its own regulatory profile covering all applicable rules for both UK and EU markets.

Question 3

What countries does ClaimSafe cover?

Accepted Answer

ClaimSafe covers UK requirements from the FSA, MHRA, ASA and CAP, and the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register, alongside relevant EU rules and national restrictions. The free tier currently allows 6 scans per day and 2 label checks per month.

Question 4

Which ingredients are supported?

Accepted Answer

The database currently contains 75 active ingredient modules. Each module brings together relevant rules, source references and jurisdiction information for use in checks and reviews.

Question 5

Do FSA rules apply if I'm selling in the EU?

Accepted Answer

No. FSA (Food Standards Agency) rules apply only in the UK. In the EU, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) rules apply, plus national regulations in each member state. Rules vary by country and ingredient; for example, ashwagandha is banned in Denmark but permitted in Germany. Select your target country in the checker to see applicable rules.

Question 6

Can I use the same claims in the UK and EU?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Some health claims are authorised on the GB Register (UK) but not the EU Register, and vice versa. The same ingredient may have 'novel food' status in one jurisdiction but not another. National restrictions also vary; some EU countries have additional bans or limits. Always check against your specific target market before launch.

Question 7

Can I use ClaimSafe instead of a regulatory consultant?

Accepted Answer

The free checker is a quick secondary screen that identifies potential findings and cites sources, but it does not sign material off. The paid regulatory review is carried out by a named practitioner and produces a signed, dated and referenced record for your file. Neither service is legal advice.

Question 8

What's the difference between a health claim and a medicinal claim?

Accepted Answer

A health claim describes a relationship between a food and health (e.g. 'Vitamin C contributes to normal immune function'). In the UK, these must be authorised on the GB NHCR Register; in the EU, under the EU Register (Regulation 1924/2006). A medicinal claim implies your product treats, cures, or prevents a disease (e.g. 'reduces anxiety'). Medicinal claims make your product a borderline medicine under MHRA rules (UK) and are always prohibited for food supplements in both the UK and EU.

Question 9

Will my ad actually get banned for these violations?

Accepted Answer

The ASA (UK) monitors advertising and can uphold complaints about supplement claims. Platforms also apply their own restricted-content policies. The free checker identifies relevant wording for review and cites the source; it does not predict an enforcement outcome.

Question 10

How often are the rules updated?

Accepted Answer

We monitor FSA and EFSA announcements, ASA rulings, MHRA guidance, national regulatory changes and platform policies. The regulatory database is updated from primary sources when relevant changes are identified.

Question 11

Is my scanned content stored or shared?

Accepted Answer

Your scan content is stored securely in your account so you can access scan history and track compliance improvements. We never share your content with third parties. You can delete individual scans or your entire account at any time.

Question 12

Can I say my supplement boosts immunity?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. In the UK, immunity claims for food supplements must be authorised on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register. You cannot claim your product 'boosts', 'strengthens', or 'supercharges' the immune system. However, if your product contains sufficient Vitamin C or Zinc, you can use the authorised wording: 'Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.' ClaimSafe identifies unauthorised immunity wording and can show a relevant authorised alternative.

Question 13

Is ashwagandha legal to sell in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract can be legally sold as a food supplement in the UK. However, it has novel food status in the EU, meaning it requires authorisation before sale in EU member states. Some EU countries like Denmark have additional national restrictions. If you sell in both markets, check each jurisdiction separately.

Question 14

Do I need a licence to sell CBD oil online?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a specific licence, but your CBD product must appear on the FSA's public list of CBD products linked to a credible novel food application. Products not on this list face enforcement action. You also need to ensure THC content is below 1mg per container (UK) and that your marketing does not make medicinal claims.

Question 15

What claims can I make about lion's mane?

Accepted Answer

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) has no authorised health claims on the GB or EU health claims registers. This means you cannot make any health claims about lion's mane in the UK or EU, including claims about cognitive function, memory, or nerve health. Marketing that implies these benefits risks enforcement by the ASA or Trading Standards.

Question 16

What is the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register?

Accepted Answer

The GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register (GB NHCR) is the UK's official list of permitted health and nutrition claims for food products, including supplements. It mirrors the EU Register but is maintained separately since Brexit. Only claims listed on this register can legally be used on UK product labels, websites, and advertising.

Question 17

How do I know if my supplement label is compliant?

Accepted Answer

A compliant UK supplement label must include: the product name, ingredient list in descending order, allergen declarations, active ingredient amounts, recommended daily dose, a warning not to exceed the stated dose, a statement that supplements should not replace a varied diet, storage conditions, and manufacturer details. All health claims must be authorised on the GB NHCR.

Question 18

Can I claim my product is 'natural' or 'organic'?

Accepted Answer

The term 'natural' has no legal definition in UK food supplement regulations, but the ASA expects it to be used honestly; a product with synthetic ingredients should not be described as 'all natural.' The term 'organic' is legally regulated and can only be used if your product is certified by an approved organic control body.

Question 19

What are the penalties for selling non-compliant supplements?

Accepted Answer

Penalties vary by violation type. Unauthorised health claims can result in ASA rulings, Trading Standards warnings, or prosecution under the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations 2007 (fines up to £5,000 in magistrates' court, unlimited in Crown Court). Selling products with unlisted novel food ingredients can result in FSA enforcement action including product withdrawal.

Question 20

Do EU health claim rules still apply in the UK after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

The UK retained EU Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims as domestic law after Brexit. The rules are substantially the same, but the UK now maintains its own GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register separately from the EU Register. New claims authorised by EFSA after 1 January 2021 do not automatically apply in the UK, and vice versa.

Signed regulatory reviews for UK supplement and CBD brands