http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/324/7339/697
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Rory Watson Brussels
The European Union is preparing to introduce legislation to harmonise national rules on food supplements and provide a consistent level of consumer protection for people taking these extra minerals and vitamins.
The proposal was approved by the European parliament last week, despite earlier claims that the move could lead to the removal of scores of nutrient substances that are commonly sold in supermarkets and health food stores. Supporters of the move, including consumer groups and large pharmaceutical companies, have dismissed such criticism as scaremongering and point out that nothing is likely to change the present situation for several years.
British Labour MEP Phillip Whitehead, who has closely followed the legislation, said: "No one is trying to ban these products, which are widely used in the United Kingdom, and they will still be available from the usual shops and websites."
Under the legislation, which should come into force next year, manufacturers of some 300 products that do not currently feature on a list of permitted nutrient forms will have to submit these for testing. They include pills made from calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are believed to strengthen bones and maintain blood pressure.
Under the original proposal, such firms would have had just 12 months to meet this requirement. Now, after last week’s parliamentary amendment, they will have three years. The extension was designed to give small manufacturers the necessary time to prepare for the tests.
The substances will be tested over the next seven years by independent scientists working for the new European Food Safety Authority. The authority will also examine all available data to determine whether to propose levels for recommended daily allowances and upper safe limits. Any substances considered to be harmful would have to be removed from the market, while others will be placed on the positive nutrients list.
Under the new EU rules, labels of products covered by the initiative must
include the words "food supplement," as well as a range of warnings, notably
that the substances are no substitute for a balanced diet. The legislation will
not affect traditional points of sale for food supplements. Thus they may
continue to be bought in health stores and supermarkets in the UK, while in
Germany, for instance, pharmacies will remain the normal outlet.
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