§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to raise with the relevant European Commissioner the interpretation of Article 5 of the Food Supplements Directive; and if he will make a statement; [135263]
(2) what plans he has to liaise at a political level with other European member state governments as part of his strategy for achieving the best possible maximum permitted levels for nutrients under the provisions of the Food Supplements Directive. [135265]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonArticle 5 of the Food Supplements Directive lays out a framework for the future setting of maximum permitted levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The United Kingdom continues to press for European Union maximum permitted limits to be set on a safety basis, and in doing so, is using its influence in both scientific and political forums. I intend to raise this issue with Ministers in other member states as and when appropriate. I am also seeking to arrange a meeting with Commissioner David Byrne at the earliest practicable opportunity.