§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the food supplements accepted as safe by the Food Standards Agency that will become illegal under EU law during 2003. [88176]
§ Ms BlearsThere is no requirement under current United Kingdom legislation for food supplements to be assessed for safety before being placed on the market. As for other foods, the onus is on manufacturers to comply with food safety legislation, which is enforced by local authorities.
Directive 2002/46/EC on Food Supplements, which came into force on 12 July 2002, will, after a transitional period, require prior assessment of vitamin and mineral sources used in these products. Member states are obliged to transpose it into national legislation by 31 July 2003. The Food Standards Agency is currently consulting on draft implementing Regulations.
Implementation of the Directive will not immediately outlaw any products already on the UK market. The impact of the Directive on the future availability of products currently on the market will depend upon future developments on lists of permitted nutrients and on maximum levels of nutrients in food supplements.