I have previously referred to the problems with the  EU and herbal medicines. Another issue we have with the EU is their proposed legislation over nutritional supplements. – vitamins, minerals, amino acids, chondroitin, and similar supplements.

Basically, manufacturers want to manufacture them up to a certain strength; and people want to take them. However, the EU is legislating (under pressure from the pharmaceutical lobby no doubt) to ensure that only supplements much weaker than this can be sold on the market legally.

I expect, surprise, surprise, that the stronger supplements will be made by drug companies and made available on prescription.

Here is an article I’ve written concerning the restriction of UK nutritional supplements by the EU.

EU Now Attacks Vitamins is a post from: Alternative HealthZine

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Many in the UK are very worried that the EU is about to punish the UK alternative health industry again – just as it has with herbal supplements.. This time the target is nutritional supplements.

On herbs, EU action has determined that companies – including small ones – will have to fork out £50,000 per product for the total costs of licensing a herbal product. This act will remove hundreds of products from the UK market in 2011. Now the EU is having a go at vitamins, minerals and similar supplements.

In the UK nutritional supplements with a fairly high potency are generally available, and are popular with consumers. Indeed, I take them myself. The pharmaceutical industry, seeing this, has pressured the legislature such that these products are going to be harder and harder to get – unless made by drug companies. Surprise, surprise.

Too many of our fundamental freedoms are being curtailed by being in the EU. I think the only answer is to get out. At least we can get action then by lobbying our own government – not having to try and influence 25 countries with a whole host of agendas.

Full article.

EU Bashing UK – Again is a post from: Alternative HealthZine

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About 6 years ago the UK manufacturers’ national trade body set up a herbal committee. The aim was to help establish a framework for manufacturers of herbal supplements to safeguard consumers and to make certain they could manufacture herbal products for long into the future.

After a few months the Department of Health told them not to waste their time; an EU Directive on herbal medicine was on the horizon and anything which was decided by this committee was irrelevant.

Voted on by pharmaceutical companies, moulded by drug law, the Directive was incorporated into UK law in 2005 and will bite in 2011. It’s full name is: ‘The Herbal and Medicinal Products Directive’ – or THMPD.

It will make 75% or more of herbal products on the UK market illegal. The licenses required will be horrendously expensive and beyond the reach of most companies.

There is NOTHING which can be done to stop it.

Change Of Direction

Companies involved will have three choices:

1. Go out of business. I know of at least three company owners who are talking of retirement. They are sick and tired of the hassle of constantly battling against the authorities.
2. Start selling products which other people have licensed. Someone licenses a product – almost certainly a single herb, such as valerian. Costs them £50,000 in total. They can then sell it to other manufacturers to sell on. Small manufacturers end up having a small range of boring single-herb products – the same as everyone else’s. Large manufacturers – such as drug companies – can afford to license whatever they think they can make money out of.
3. Diversify. Extend the range of herbs which fall under food law and so don’t need a license. Add in other products which are under food law – eg bowel flora, omega 3 oils, ‘superfood’.

Who Can I Lobby?

Some people want to lobby the authorities. I applaud that; but I have been lobbying for 6 years. I am having dinner with a leading UK MEP tonight who has written letters on my behalf.

You feel you are doing something – but it gets nowhere. That has been the sum total of the last 6 years of many hours of energy.

The vibrant UK herbal industry has been sold down the river by the EU at the prompting of the pharmaceutical industry – one of the largest industries in the world. They are laughing on the sidelines.

The only real way forward is to leave the EU – which would happen if we had a referendum (slim chance). If we left, we could at least lobby our own government. Lobbying the EU is a complete waste of time – we are a small lone voice against herbal regulation. The other EU countries are compliant as herbal freedom is something they have not enjoyed for centuries.

Natural Product Online coverage

UK Herbal Industry To Be Decimated is a post from: Alternative HealthZine

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At last – the EU ‘wonky’ rule has been lessened in its effect.

For years, fruit and vegetables. in the EU have not been able to be classified as ‘Class 1′ unless they met size and shape regulations. This has meant much waste – as ‘non-standard’ food has to be scrapped. Food labelled as ‘Class 2′ just sounds worse.

So, an apple with an odd shape, or slightly large or small had to be ‘Class 2′. And the supermarkets would not pay so much for it – simply because of its label – completely disregarding how it tasted.

Now, at last, one crazy rule of the EU has been weakened. Not banished, but reduced.

The crazy rule still applies to ten vegetables and fruit including those apples – and also oranges and tomatoes.

What would the EU be without it’s rules and rule-makers.

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Question: Does it worry you if your fruit or veg is wonky? Leave a comment.

“Wonky Fruit & Veg” Ban Starts To Go is a post from: Alternative HealthZine

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