Health food stores in Norwich today launched a campaign against a European directive which they claim could force them to shut up shop.

Several of the city stores, backed by Norwich north MP Dr Ian Gibson, will join a national campaign against the EU Food Supplements Directive.

The European Parliament has approved more stringent controls on certain types of vitamins. Under the rules, manufacturers of food supplements containing vitamins and minerals will have to provide full ingredient details within three years.

They will also have to carry information relating to the nutrient content of the product, and how much people should take each day, plus a statement that supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet.

It means around 300 over-the-counter pills will have to be tested by EU scientists to make sure they meet new safety and health standards.

Manufacturers claim the ruling will restrict the public's access to vitamins and threaten the livelihood of health food shop owners.

Local stores to back the protest so far include Norwich's Natural Food Store, Naturally on the market, Holland and Barrett which has shops in Norwich, Yarmouth and Lowestoft, and Neal's Yard in the city.

Dr Gibson, who will launch the local arm of the campaign by signing a petition at the Natural Food Store on Exchange Street today said: "The science which has led to this decision is very dodgy.

"The Directive means that many of the supplements people know will disappear, and others will be restricted.

"Many people believe these supplements are important to their health, and they may well be right. This is a gathering storm – it will become a huge petition - and I am happy to support the campaign."

Christina Poulton, of the Natural Food Store, added: "I take supplements and I see so many people who come into the shop everyday who find supplements which really benefit them, and that should not be taken away. If this goes ahead, health food shops in Norwich may well be forced to close.

"The stores in Norwich are pulling together to raise awareness of the directive."

The EU says the aim of the legislation was not to ban food supplements but to provide a wide range of safe products.

In order to use nutrients not on the list, the supplements industry will have to go through the costly process of submitting safety dossiers for each one.

Monday sees the start of a national awareness week for the campaign, and the local petition will form part of a national one to be presented to Downing Street before a final decision on whether to accept the Directive is made by the government.



 

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