The shaky area of product reviews

Product reviews. Where do we stand? Should Dietitians and Nutritionists venture into the area of product reviews?

Some feel very strongly about this and believe that we should remain completely impartial and should never appear to advertise or promote products. The old British guidelines use to have a clause in the code of conduct saying that Dietitians could not recommend particular product names. That clause is now gone. Some national boards still exclude Dietitians from using their professional standing to be used in direct endorsement of commercial products. There are differing guidelines internationally. Product reviews aren't always about "promotion", we also have to take care when negatively reviewing a product

Things to think about when writing a product review

-If you are representing yourself as a Dietitian or nutritionist, you need to maintain the standards of your national organisation and act professionally at all times.

- Be familiar with the code of conduct/policy of your organisation.

- If you are being paid or sponsored by a company, you need to declare – transparency all the way.

- Be honest and state the facts – keep it about nutrition.


- Weigh up both the good and the bad.

- Any claim you make must be backed up with a sound scientific basis.


- Make a mention of other brands, if possible- comparing two products is a great way of doing this.

- Use ratings if possible.


How do you feel about product reviews? What does your natonal organisation say about them? Would love to hear your views and any other tips for product review blogging.