currency converter

The Impact of the Foods Supplement Directive

You may already be aware that the threat posed by the Food Supplements Directive for setting maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements, could have a devastating effect on the industry and not only those who choose to use effective nutritional supplements but also those who are against the erosion of personal choice generally.

The Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) has recently produced an Impact Assessment which quantifies the potential impact of the proposed legislation and identifies the following key risks: 

• Well over £100m of sales may be lost

• Heavy impact on suppliers resulting in business closures

• NAHS survey estimates that over 700 independent health food stores could close resulting in approximately 4000 job losses

• Imports of higher potency supplements notably from Guernsey and Jersey that remain outside UK and EU medicines and food legislative regimes will increase from their current levels significantly. This would expose UK consumers to the dangers of unregulated supply

As a result of this the HFMA is calling for the following outcomes in Europe:

1. The highest possible permitted levels for vitamins and minerals to be set in Europe on the basis of safety

2. Provision of appropriate information to consumers

3. A further review by the European Food Safety Authority of the safe levels for selected nutrients to take account of major new scientific studies.

MPs can be a powerful resource for putting pressure on Gillian Merron MR the Public Health Minister, to ensure that she stands up for British industry in Europe.

They can also raise the issue with John Dalli, the new European Commissioner, and their colleagues in the European Parliament. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT ?

We need to ensure that all MPs are made aware of the potential threat posed by the Food Supplements Directive and so we are asking you to help by writing to your local constituency MP setting out your concerns and encouraging them to raise the issue and take action on behalf of the British industry. 

You can find your local MP by visiting: 

After amending to suit, post to the name & address at the top of the letter.

We very much hope you will take the opportunity to join us in taking action.

Thank you.