PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
FOOD SUPPLEMENTS DIRECTIVE (23 May 2000)

That this House notes with interest the adoption by the European Commission of a proposal for a directive on food supplements; observes that the purpose of the directive is to remove barriers to trade in vitamin and mineral supplements throughout Europe; welcomes the principle underlying the provisions of the directive, namely that consumers should be able to purchase vitamin and mineral supplements on general retail sale, provided that they are safe; notes that the proposed directive has the support in principle of the Health Food Manufacturers Association, Consumers for Health Choice and the National Association of Health Stores; invites Her Majesty's Government to continue to use its influence in Europe to ensure that this liberal but safety-based approach is maintained at the heart of the legislation during the coming debates, whilst at the same time working to remedy some of the other defects in the detail of the directive which do need to be addressed; and welcomes the exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall mounted by the Health Food Manufacturers Association in the week commencing 5th June explaining the role of a wide range of health foods and natural health products in promoting a healthier nation.

Sponsored by:
Dr Brian Iddon (Labour)