§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any investigations into the health-giving properties claimed for certain dietary supplements are being carried out; whether his Department has any plans to carry out such investigations; and whether, in the light of recent growth in the sales of such products, he will concentrate his Department's investigations in this field.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo special investigation of this kind is either planned or in progress. Where, however, health-giving properties are claimed for a product which amount to a medicinal purpose as defined in the Medicines Act 1968, a product licence is required and the applicant for such a licence must satisfy the licensing authority that the product is safe and efficacious for that purpose. Other claims made for foodstuffs may be governed by the Food Labelling Regulations 1980 which are enforced by local authorities.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those dietary supplements which his Department has investigated during the last year; how many have been withdrawn from sale after such investigations, and for what reasons; and what are the total figures for investigations and withdrawals of all foods for which his Department is responsible over the same period.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeLocal authorities are responsible under the Food and Drugs Act 1955 for enforcing controls over the sale of food. However, where a food 137W poses either an established or suspected risk of food poisoning and is or is likely to be distributed and sold over a wide area, my Department is involved in the co-ordination of investigations and, if necessary, discussion with trade interests on the need for withdrawal action. In 1982 there were four major investigations which led to three withdrawals at national level. None of these concerned dietary supplements.