CHC Argues Against Harmonized Levels in EU

LONDONGlobal brands Herbalife and Amway have joined the movement for harmonized vitamin and mineral levels in supplements across the European Union (EU), according to Consumers for Health Choice (CHC). The grassroots consumer organization alleged this push will "restrict consumer choice in safe, higher-potency supplements." Both companies are influential members of Food Supplements Europe.

CHC said it obtained a leaked draft plan, which indicated Food Supplements Europe will seek maximum permitted levels; figures suggested the levels would be low, prohibiting many higher-potency supplements.

We have always known that there are strong lobby groups pushing for the setting of maximum levels and that these groups wish to see harmonization at all costsparticularly if these costs are borne by consumers and small businesses and retailers," said Chris Whitehouse, CHC director of strategy. "Setting maximum permitted levels should be a matter for individual countries, not the EU."

CHC said it will stand up for consumers' rights to choose supplements in Parliament.