HFMA tops approved supplement nutrient source list

The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) submitted more approved vitamin and mineral dossiers than any other group to the soon-to-be-finalised positive list of the European Union Food Supplements Directive (FSD), it has revealed.

Given European Parliament and Council approval – expected to occur without further debate - 67 sources of vitamins and minerals will be added to the Annex 2 positive list.

Of those, 29 were submitted by the HFMA including mixed tocopherols, silicon dioxide, calcium ascorbate with threonate (Ester-C), mineral aspartates and malates and pantethine.

About 400 dossiers were submitted for derogation, with 49 ‘full’ dossiers submitted by the HFMA with the financial support of the UK Food Standards Agency, including around 200 ‘single page’ dossiers that were subsequently withdrawn or dismissed by EFSA as inadequate.

“Minimising the number of significant and safe specialist ingredients missing from the positive lists has been one of the HFMA’s key areas of focus on behalf of members and the wider natural health industry,” said Graham Keen, HFMA executive director.

“This demonstrates the importance of combining strong campaigning with expert practical action.”