What is the stance of regulatory bodies (FDA, EFSA) on the definition of superfoods?

Okay, this topic is actually quite interesting; let me walk you through it.

In a nutshell: Not officially recognized; "superfood" is just a marketing term.

Neither the US FDA nor the EU's EFSA legally defines the term "superfood" in their official documents. In their view, it's not a scientific or legal term at all. Instead, it's essentially invented by the commercial world, particularly marketing departments, to help sell products.

Below, I'll break down what these two agencies specifically think.

The FDA's View: "Cut the fluff, show me the evidence."

Think of the FDA as a very strict, evidence-only "tough parent."

The word "superfood" itself? They don't regulate that: You can print "Superfood" on your blueberry packaging. The FDA usually won't hassle you just for using that word.
But they do regulate the claims you make: The crucial point is, after using the word "superfood," do you imply or explicitly state any health benefit? For example, if you write something like "prevents cancer" or "treats heart disease" nearby, then the FDA will come knocking. The FDA's core principle is that any "health claim" about food – such as "lowers cholesterol" or "benefits heart health" – must be backed up by substantial, reliable scientific evidence and undergo rigorous FDA review and authorization.

An easy-to-understand example: You can call oatmeal a "superfood" because it's nutritious. But if you want to say on the packaging, "Eating this oatmeal can reduce the risk of heart disease," then you must comply with specific FDA health claim regulations regarding soluble fiber and heart disease, and your product's soluble fiber content must meet the required level.

Summing up the FDA's attitude: Want to call it a "superfood"? Fine. But don't use that label to make wild claims. If you make a claim, you need scientific proof, or else you're misleading consumers.

The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) View: "Want to tout benefits? Fill out the form, I must review it first."

If the FDA is a strict "tough parent," then the EFSA is an extremely meticulous, almost "rigid" professor. Europe's regulation of food health claims is stricter than the US.

No pre-approval? Say nothing: In the EU, any food or drink wanting to advertise any health or nutritional benefit must first have that "benefit" (the health claim) listed on an "EU-approved list of health claims."
"Superfood" – a term with a dangerous 'halo': The term "superfood" itself strongly implies extraordinary health benefits. So, if you use the term on your product, it's essentially making a health claim not approved by EFSA. This is prohibited.
How do businesses get around this?: In Europe, if a company wants to use "superfood," they usually must accompany it with a specific, EU-approved health claim for support. For example, on chia seed packaging saying "Superfood," it might need small print nearby stating, "Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels" – and this smaller statement is an EFSA-approved standard phrase.

Summing up EFSA's attitude: It's stricter. The EFSA considers "superfood" itself as equivalent to a health claim. Therefore, to use it, you must provide support with an officially approved, specific health claim. Otherwise, it's illegal.

So, why such an "unreasonable" stance from regulators?

They do this to protect us ordinary consumers.

To prevent us from getting conned: They stop businesses from using flashy buzzwords to make us spend more money on things that aren't actually that miraculous.
To emphasize scientific evidence: Health is no joke. Any claim that a food improves health must be based on solid scientific research, not marketing team creativity.
To avoid "tunnel vision": Obsessing over one single "superfood" makes it easy to overlook the most important thing – a balanced diet. No single food provides all the nutrients humans need. Instead of pinning hopes on a nutrient "superhero," build a well-rounded nutrition "Avengers."

So, next time you see "superfood," keep this in mind: It's probably a good thing nutrition-wise. But don't expect it to cure everything. Treat it as part of a healthy diet, not some magic cure-all. The truly "super" strategy is a balanced, varied eating pattern!