Short answer
A food supplement label in Poland must be in Polish and include, among other things, the term “suplement diety” (food supplement), the recommended daily portion, the amount of each ingredient per portion, the percentage of the nutrient reference value for vitamins and minerals, three mandatory warnings, an ingredient list with allergens emphasised, net quantity, best before date and the details of the responsible operator. Health claims may only come from the EU register.
Mandatory elements - the full checklist
This list combines the requirements of the general rules on food information to consumers and the specific rules for food supplements. Treat it as a starting point for review with a law firm, not as a replacement for one.
- The term “suplement diety” (food supplement) next to the product name
- The names of the categories of nutrients or substances that characterise the product, or a description of their nature
- The recommended daily portion
- The amount of each ingredient per recommended portion
- The percentage of the nutrient reference value for vitamins and minerals
- A full ingredient list with allergens emphasised
- A warning not to exceed the recommended daily portion
- A statement that food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet
- A statement that the product should be stored out of the reach of young children
- Net quantity
- Best before date
- Batch number
- Name and address of the responsible operator
- Storage conditions, if special conditions apply
Polish language - more than a translation
All mandatory information must be given in Polish. A multilingual label is allowed, but the Polish version must be complete and legible. The most common problem is literal translation of ingredient names and chemical forms, which have different, established names in Polish.
Health claims - where brands make the most mistakes
In the European Union you may only use health claims that have been authorised and entered in the EU register - and only in wording that does not change their meaning. This applies to the label, but also to your website, advertising and creator content.
Typical problems
- A claim from your home market that is not in the EU register for the ingredient in question.
- Strengthened wording of an authorised claim, for example adding words that suggest treatment.
- A claim without its condition of use - the ingredient is dosed too low to meet the conditions for using the claim.
- Nutrition claims such as “source of” or “high in” used without meeting the quantitative thresholds.
The most common mistakes foreign brands make
- Missing percentage of the nutrient reference value for vitamins and minerals.
- Incomplete warnings - only one or two of the three mandatory ones.
- A non-EU operator address with no responsible operator named within the EU.
- A product name that suggests medicinal action - a supplement is not a medicine and must not be presented as one.