Functional Food & Nutraceuticals Approval
Functional foods are foods designed or selected to deliver a specific health effect beyond basic nutrition. This may be achieved by adding new ingredients, increasing existing components, or combining food constituents to support wellness or help reduce certain risk factors.
Functional Food Center (FFC) definition
The FFC defines functional foods as natural or processed foods containing biologically active compounds which, in defined, effective, non toxic amounts, provide clinically demonstrated health benefits using specific biomarkers to promote optimal health, reduce the risk of chronic or viral diseases, and help manage related symptoms.
Nutraceuticals and Their Role
Nutraceuticals, often overlapping with functional foods, are foods or food derived products that provide both nutritional value and measurable health benefits. Examples include:
- Antioxidant rich foods and fortified products (e.g., dairy with added probiotics)
- Dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, or botanicals
- Food ingredients with documented effects (e.g., beta-glucan in oatmeal to help lower LDL cholesterol)
When health effects are substantiated and delivered in appropriate, non toxic amounts, these products may meet functional food criteria.
Functional Food Product Approval-How It Works
- Sampling: Product samples are collected according to ACS protocols.
- Laboratory testing: Tests are performed in accredited laboratories using validated analytical methods and ACS functional product criteria.
- Technical review: ACS evaluates results, compares them with specifications and safety thresholds, and assesses labeling and claim substantiation.
- Decision: If requirements are met, ACS issues a Functional Food approval. Non-conformities are reported with corrective action guidance.
- Surveillance: Periodic reviews and market sampling maintain continued conformity.
Benefits of ACS Canada Functional Food Approval
- International recognition: Accredited test reports accepted by retailers, importers, and buyers worldwide.
- Market access: Evidence based verification meets procurement and private-label requirements.
- Credibility & consumer trust: Approval confirms proven efficacy within safe intake limits, supported by accredited testing.
- Quality assurance: Reinforces consistency, safety, and performance documentation.
- Marketing claims: Verified data supports compliant functional and nutritional claims.
- Sustainability alignment: Encourages development of verified, health-promoting products.
- Supply chain credibility: Enhances supplier status for international brands.
Contact ACS Canada Certification
If you have any questions or would like to begin your Functional Food Approval process, click below to email our team directly.
Email ACS Canada
