Vitamin campaigners get backing from local MP

21.2.05

Local MP Edward Davey was praised today for speaking out against new EU regulations that would see thousands of vitamin and mineral supplements banned from July this year.

Local health campaigners and the lobby group Consumers for Health Choice (CHC) thanked Edward Davey today for voting in favour of a cross-party motion in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to renegotiate the Food Supplements Directive. Chris Grayling, a Conservative front bench MP, introduced the motion with the support of Kate Hoey MP (Labour) and Michael Hancock MP (Liberal Democrat).

Unfortunately, Labour Minister Melanie Johnson introduced an alternative motion, backed by the full Cabinet, congratulating the Government on its negotiations, and with most Labour MPs whipped into voting with the Government; Chris Grayling’s original motion was lost.

Consumers have been campaigning against the Directive for a number of years and it is fast becoming an election issue. CHC is determined to keep up the pressure on Government and has called on supplement users to take into account their local MP’s position on the Commons motion when deciding how to vote in the upcoming general election, widely expected on 5th May.

Sue Croft, Director of CHC said: “This is a pernicious piece of legislation that will restrict the way we look after our health. Government negotiations on behalf of the public were at best half hearted and have shown a distinct lack of interest and understanding. This directive will affect the everyday lives of millions of consumers, and MPs have a duty to represent the concerns of their constituents. Edward Davey spoke out in support of consumers during the Commons debate – but we need more. We encourage all those users of vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies to find out which of their local candidates are prepared to challenge the Directive, and then vote for a candidate who truly represents their interests.”

The Food Supplements Directive is due to be introduced into UK law on 1st August this year. It contains a list of permitted nutrients and nutrient sources that may be used in supplements. At present there are over 300 safe and popular nutrients and nutrient sources on sale in the UK that are not on the permitted list. Unless weighty safety dossiers are submitted and approved for each, they will no longer be available for sale. This will affect thousands of products and will hit small retailers and producers as well as consumers.