As the voice of the European supplements sector, EHPM published a new manifesto that outlines how EU policy makers can enable continued growth and combat current regulatory issues in the European food supplement sector in the next mandate.
“All elections are important, but as the last five years have shown, it’s vital the next cohort of policy makers not only prioritize evidence-based decisions for our health and well-being but also to continue to work together towards a prosperous future,” said Livia Menichetti, director general at EHPM.
“We call on policy makers in the next mandate and beyond to support industry and to pursue transparent and science-based policymaking that empowers EU consumers to make informed choices.”
The EHPM manifesto states the sector was worth approximately €18 billion in 2023 (Monitor Deloitte for Synadiet, 2020), with over 3,000 companies creating over 100,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the EU’s economy (IADSA, 2023).
The EHPM makes recommendations covering a range of issues, including: online misinformation; lack of harmonization; the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals; legal certainty on what constitutes a novel food; and proportionate risk management decisions under Article 8 of Regulation 1925/2006.
Tackling misinformation
The manifesto notes that European consumers should be able to make informed choices on safe food supplements through clear labeling that provides transparent information.
“EU policymakers, regulators and stakeholders should work closely together to tackle the growing flow of false myths and fake news on food supplement that circulates online, misleading consumers and damaging the reputation of the sector,” it states, adding “EU policymakers and stakeholders should strive to increase awareness on the importance of including food supplements within the daily nutritional scheme as part of a healthy lifestyle, taking into accounts the unbalanced dietary habits of EU citizens.”
Ensuring fair competition
The federation encourages policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to agree on harmonized standards and best practices on food supplement quality and safety to create a more predictable regulatory environment for food supplements.
“EU policymakers and regulators should ensure fair competition among Member States, ensuring the smooth operation of the internal market, while also protecting European consumers and the European food supplements sector from unfair competition from countries with less strict rules,” it states.
Setting levels
Regarding the setting of minimum and maximum levels for vitamins and minerals, the federation states the new parliament must “promote and support the adoption of a fair and practical model that is scientifically sound and that takes into account existing national approaches, consumers’ choices and habits, and the impact on the food supplements sector” and “[en]nsure that the development of any new models is informed by a thorough impact assessment and genuine consultation with stakeholders.”
Novel Foods
It notes the need for legal certainty as there are current interpretation issues on the implementation of the Novel Food regulation.
The manifesto requests policy makers address the current fragmented and heterogeneous application of the regulation, which hinders innovation and the ability of companies to plan investments in this area.
Article 8
Discussing the Article 8 procedure (Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006), EHPM calls on policy makers not to use this as a tool to establish a negative list of botanicals.
“Take risk management decisions that are proportionate to the level of the identified risks, and ensure that the application of the precautionary principle does not have the undesirable effect of limiting consumers’ access to food supplements that can contribute to maintaining or improving their health,” it states.
Botanical health claims
The manifesto calls for the promotion of a "fair and practical model to the assessment of botanical health claims currently ‘on hold’, taking into account tradition of use but also innovative science."
EHPM suggests the adoption of a graded approach that considers both botanical health claims’ tradition of use and innovation, as well as the specificities of botanicals used in food.
Biotics
In order to address the lack of a harmonized approach to probiotics across member states, EHPM implores decision-makers to support initiatives that allow the use of the term 'probiotics' as a category and foster their uptake across the EU.