The Food and Agriculture Organizaion of the United Nations has debuted a report focused on dietary supplement and functional food regulation and safety
This follows the rising consumer interest in supplementation with natural ingredients globally, with a 2025 report from Mintel finding that half of the UK believes vitamins, minerals and supplements are necessary to ensure optimal nutrient intake.
The report, titled "Food safety in personalized nutrition: a focus on food supplements and functional foods", delves into the emerging safety considerations associated with supplement products.
It covers a broad range of topics, including:
- The supplement industry's regulatory landscape and its challenges
- Important food safety aspects that should be considered
- The cruciality of transparency and accurate labelling in building consumer trust
- Potential interactions with prescribed/over the counter (OTC) medication
- Appropriate dosages
- The importance of safety assessments for ingredients that haven't been widely consumed
According to the report's author, Maura Di Martino, "the safety of active ingredients in food supplements and functional foods can depend on a number of factors", which includes "their source, how they've been processed and the concentration at which they are used."
She also stresses the need for supplement manufacturers to provide clear labelling and thorough safety assessments when commercialising a product, which "can support informed choices and consumer confidence."
Understanding the global classification landscape
Depending on geography, supplement regulations can vary significantly, so this report discusses how players from across the globe approach the classification, labelling and regulation of food supplements and functional foods.
This information may be particularly useful for food safety authorities from low- and middle-income countries, as it can help them to strengthen their regulatory frameworks to align with the global standards of countries in key markets such as the US, Canada and Germany.
"By helping to strengthen regulatory frameworks, we can safeguard consumers and build trust in the marketplace," states Di Martino.
The report also delves into the evolvement of consumer behaviour and perceptions — highlighting the growing influence these products are having on purchasing decisions and general attitudes to health.
"With scientific and technological advancements continuing to open up new possibilities in personalised nutrition, the market for supplements and functional foods is expected to grow,"
"However, it is fundamental to ensure the safety of these products through proactive, inclusive and evidence-based approaches to ensure public health is at the forefront," Di Martino concludes.
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