Flemish minister moves to tackle false health claims

Flemish Welfare minister Caroline Gennez has announced plans to fight false and misleading health information.

She wants to support one organisation that will correct misinformation and share reliable health advice with the public. The aim is to help people make better-informed decisions about their health.

According to the minister’s office, many people now see medical claims on social media, from influencers and online platforms. These often focus on attention-grabbing content rather than scientific facts.

“Fake news about health is not harmless,” Gennez said. “Wrong or misleading information can lead to poor choices and serious risks to physical and mental health. The government must provide clear, trustworthy and science-based information.”

The Flemish government will invest €300,000 a year in the project. One organisation will be selected and funded from July 2026 until December 2030.

At European level, health and nutrition claims on food are already regulated. Since 2007, EU law has required that claims such as “low fat” or “good for bones” must be clear, accurate and backed by scientific evidence.

Misleading claims are banned, and only approved statements can be used on packaging and in advertising. An official EU register lists all authorised claims.

​^{#FlandersNewsService | Flemish Welfare minister Caroline Gennez © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}