§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on research and development of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75814]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply
The EU Food Supplements Directive requires that the safety of concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals used as ingredients in food supplements be approved by the European Union scientific committee on food before use. Consequently, the Directive is likely to have the effect of encouraging research into the safety of these ingredients.
The possible impact of the proposed Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products on research and development is difficult to predict. Under the current regime in the United Kingdom for unlicensed herbal remedies it will not normally be clear to the purchaser of a remedy whether that remedy is brought to the market on the basis of evidence of efficacy of the product, of traditional usage, or some other factor. The proposed Directive should, over time, bring greater clarity to the market on this issue, which may be beneficial to the prospects for research and development.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on the retail sector of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75813]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply
In the short-term the EU Food Supplements Directive is unlikely to have any effect upon the retail sector. In the longer-term, the impact of the Directive will depend upon progress in adding vitamin and minerals and their sources to the lists of permitted nutrients in the Directive and upon developments in the setting of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The Food Standards Agency is arguing the case for these maximum limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments so that there is no unnecessary restriction on the range of products that can be marketed.
The proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products could have positive consequences for employment in the retail sector. The proposals would require traditional herbal remedies to meet standards as to quality, safety and product information, 308W areas in which the current regime for unlicensed herbal remedies has significant weaknesses. More effective regulation, which would follow if there is a successful outcome to the negotiations, potentially could enhance the status and recognition of traditional herbal remedies. This in turn could help to maintain and increase public confidence and ultimately lead to an expansion in the sector. Our aim in the continuing negotiations, and in the implementation of the Directive if it is agreed, will be to ensure that the regulation is proportionate.