RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Test

What does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) state about functional foods?

1. There is a strict legal definition for functional foods

2. They must contain specific nutrients to be considered functional

3. Currently, no legal definition exists for functional foods

4. Functional foods are not regulated by the FDA

The correct answer is: Currently, no legal definition exists for functional foods

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not provide a strict legal definition for functional foods, which is why the assertion that currently no legal definition exists is accurate. Functional foods are generally understood to be foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, and they may include fortified foods, whole foods, and modified foods. However, because the term "functional food" is used broadly and can vary by context, it has not been solidified into a specific legal framework by the FDA. This lack of a clear definition means that there are no set criteria that foods must meet to be labeled as functional; rather, the categorization often relies on marketing and public perception rather than regulatory standards. Because of this ambiguity, the marketplace can include a wide variety of products that may be advertised as functional without precise guidelines dictating their composition or health claims. In contrast, the other choices imply either regulatory frameworks or requirements that are not supported by FDA guidelines. This further emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of food classification and the regulatory environment surrounding food labeling and health claims.