EU reviews vitamin limits after Irish petition

RESTRICTIVE VITAMIN supplement standards due to be set by the EU are to be re-examined following an Irish petition. The standards, introduced by EU directive, would restrict doses of vitamin D to the equivalent of that produced by 25 seconds of sunlight and prevent the sale of high-dose vitamin C products without prescription.

The EU food supplements directive was given the go-ahead in 2005. However, the maximum permitted levels of ingredients to be contained in supplements has not yet been set.

The standards currently being considered would restrict the sale of vitamins and minerals to very low doses. It would become illegal to sell vitamin A in a dose that can be found in more than half a carrot or to sell selenium, an important mineral, in doses larger than in a quarter of a Brazil nut.

Presenting to the EU Petitions Committee, Dr Rob Verkerk and Jill Bell, on behalf of the Irish Association of Health Food Stores, told MEPs the proposed standards were based on poor out-of-date science.

Munster MEP Kathy Sinnott, who is vice-president of the petitions committee, said the minimalist levels allowed were only enough to keep away deficiency diseases, like scurvy or rickets, but not enough to enhance health.

“This directive is unreasonable and controlling,” she said. “It will put European producers and health food shops out of business while forcing people to obtain their vitamins and minerals from outside the EU via the internet.”

The petitions committee asked the European Commission to re-examine the issues raised by Ms Bell’s group.