Vol. 566 No. 1
73 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the case made by the Irish Healthcare Association and the Irish Association of Health Stores for support for upper safe limits and the full seven year derogation of certain substances in relation to the EU directive on food supplements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12031/03]
The directive on food supplements to which the Deputy refers – Directive 2002/46/EC – establishes harmonised rules for the sale of vitamins and minerals as dietary supplements and for the labelling of these products. The objective of the directive is to set out a general framework and safety rules for vitamins and minerals in the EU and to ensure that these products are appropriately labelled so that consumers can make informed choices.
As far as vitamins and minerals are concerned, the directive does two things. First, it establishes lists of vitamins and minerals and their forms that can be used in the manufacture of food supplements. Second, it foresees the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. This will be based on scientific risk assessment and data on vitamin and minerals intake from other foods, while also taking due account of what is considered an adequate vitamin and mineral intake for an average person. The scientific risk assessment will be undertaken by EFSA , the European Food Safety Authority.
Drafting of national legislation to give effect to the directive is under way and this drafting process has included consultations between the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Medicines Board and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. My Department has also had contact with the Irish Health Trade Association and the Irish Association of Health Stores.
