§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consideration they have given to the effectiveness of legislation for the regulation of dietary supplements and herbal remedies in other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia; and what was the outcome of the consideration. [HL1850]
§ Baroness HaymanWe have not made a detailed assessment of the effectiveness of legislation regulating dietary supplements and herbal remedies in other countries. We have asked the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) to examine options for moving towards regulatory arrangements for herbal medicines which provide better protection and information for the public while continuing to allow responsible businesses and practitioners to operate effectively. We are aware that a range of approaches to the regulation of herbal medicines has been taken in other countries, both within and beyond the European Union. The MCA will welcome views on the effectiveness of these various regimes. United Kingdom medicines law operates within a European framework. Accordingly we will need to develop a position which is realistically achievable within the European Union.