The Swiss Food Act and the regulations that are based on it require a clear distinction between food and drugs. In accordance with article 3 of the Food Act, food serves the development and maintenance of the human body and is not advertised as a cure. Cures are, according to articles 2 and 4 of the Swiss Drug Act, medications and medicinal products intended to detect, prevent and treat diseases, injuries or handicaps. This distinction serves to protect against fraud for the consumer and in the avoidance of risks to health if diseases are treated by unsuitable means.
In article 10 (2 c) of the Swiss Regulation on Food and Commodities, this prohibition against misleading the consumer with food is specified. Swiss law does not allow any references that attribute food characteristics to the prevention, treatment or healing of a human illness. However, "health promotions" that are not intended to deceive are legally permissible, such as notices on the nature and function of essential materials. Products with therapeutic indications are medications and require permission from the Swiss Agency for therapeutic goods (Swissmedic).