HL Deb 08 July 2004 vol 663 cc107-8WA

Earl Howe asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the purpose of the forthcoming European legislation on sports nutrition products; and [HL3521]

What steps the Food Standards Agency will be taking to ensure that the interests of the United Kingdom sports nutrition industry are fully protected in the discussions on the forthcoming European sports nutrition legislation; and [HL3522]

What is the maximum permitted daily dose of creatine intake permitted for sports nutrition products in the United Kingdom; on what basis that level was set; and what levels of creatine use will be proposed under the forthcoming European sports nutrition legislation; and [HL3523]

What assessment they have made of the impact that the proposed maximum permitted levels for creatine use set out in draft European legislation on sports nutrition products would have upon the United Kingdom specialist sports nutrition industry. [HL3524]

Lord Warner:

The purpose of the proposed legislation on sports nutrition products is to protect consumers by ensuring that such foods meet the particular nutritional requirements of people who participate in activities that involve intense muscular effort. In addition, these products need to be adequately labelled in order to allow consumers to make informed choices.

The Food Standards Agency has sought the views of stakeholders on the European Commission's initial working document for this proposal and met with representatives of the sports nutrition industry to discuss their concerns. It will continue to consult stakeholders as the legislation develops.

Currently, there is no specified maximum permitted level for creatine in sports foods. However, products on sale in Great Britain must comply with the Food Safety Act 1990 or similar legislation in Northern Ireland. The Commission's working document proposes that creatine products should bear instructions for use that result in intakes of not more than 3g creatine per day. The impact on the industry of this level, or any other level that is set in the formal proposal from the Commission, will be considered as part of the regulatory impact asessment for the proposal.