Overview

• The European Court of Justice clarified that health claims for botanicals like saffron and melon extracts cannot be advertised without formal EU approval.
• The ruling stems from a case against Hamburg-based Novel Nutriology, which marketed supplements with unverified health benefits.
• The European Commission froze botanical health-claim evaluations in 2010 after many applications were rejected due to insufficient evidence.
• Industry groups warn the decision will stifle innovation, while consumer advocates welcome stricter safeguards against misleading marketing.
• The prohibition will remain in place until the European Commission completes its review and adds approved claims to the official EU list.