Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Supplements.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

46 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Irish Association of Health Food Manufacturers and Distributors at the interpretation of food supplements which include vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal remedies; if he will review the problems that the present licensing arrangements are creating in respect of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if he has considered controlling certain products not categorised as medicinal such as nutritional supplements not licensed under the Medical Preparations Regulations 1984 and 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 46 and 71 together.

I will bear these representations in mind, in conjunction with the views of other interests, when I am considering the report from the Food Safety Advisory Committee on the subject of food supplements and similar borderline products. I expect to have this report very shortly.