Food Law News - EU - 2001

FSA Letter, 4 June 2001

PARNUTS - Proposed Directive on Food Supplements

A compromise proposal developed by the Swedish Presidency was discussed at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 30-31st May. There was, however, insufficient support to achieve the qualified majority of votes needed to adopt the proposal. The sticking point is the approach to be taken when establishing maximum limits for vitamins and minerals (Article 5). The compromise proposed a broadly safety-based approach, but a number of Member States continue to press for arrangements which place greater emphasis on establishing nutritional need.

The Commission and Presidency have not yet indicated how they intend to proceed, and no further meetings of Member States Attaches are currently planned.