Functional Food & Nutraceuticals Certification
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 Certification-How It Works
- Sampling: Product samples are collected according to ACS protocols.
- Laboratory testing: Tests are performed in ISO/IEC 17025–accredited (ILAC) laboratories against relevant analytical methods and ACS functional product requirements.
- Technical review: ACS evaluates results, compares them with specification and safety thresholds, and assesses label and claim support.
- Decision: If requirements are met, ACS issues a Functional Food Certificate to the manufacturer and authorizes use of the ACS functional food mark. Non-conformities are reported with corrective-action guidance.
- Surveillance: Periodic checks and, where applicable, market sampling help maintain ongoing conformity.
Benefits of ACS Canada Functional Food Certification
- International recognition: Accredited test reports support acceptance by retailers, importers, and buyers in major markets.
- Market access: Evidence-based verification helps meet procurement and private-label requirements and streamlines listings.
- Credibility & consumer trust: Certification confirms functional efficacy within defined, safe intake levels—backed by accredited labs.
- Quality assurance: Reinforces product consistency, safety, and documented performance; strengthens internal quality systems.
- Stronger marketing claims: Independently verified data supports compliant claims across packaging and digital channels.
- Sustainability alignment: Encourages development of products with substantiated health value and responsible sourcing.
- Competitive advantage: Differentiates your brand with a recognized third-party mark and transparent testing.
- Supply-chain credibility: Enhances status as a reliable supplier for international brands and retailers.
We’ll guide you through sampling, accredited testing, and certification to help your product reach new markets with confidence.
Email: info@canadacerts.ca · Phone: +1 (604) 924-5506
