10 years of health claims – 10 years of stagnation

29.06.2017 09:51

On July 1st, the Health Claims Regulation celebrates its 10th anniversary. But to date, the European Commission has not managed to examine the health claims for botanicals. There is therefore no reason for the Federal Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (BPI) to celebrate the anniversary. Dr. Norbert Gerbsch, deputy general manager of the BPI: “The health claims for herbal substances and preparations are still untested, are printed on packaging and can be used in advertising. Consumer protection has been ignored here for years.”

The Health Claims Regulation from 2006 stipulates that health claims on foods are only permitted if they have been scientifically evaluated and approved by the EU Commission. However, the Commission stopped implementing the regulation for herbal products in 2010 when it became clear that many of the statements were not sufficiently scientifically proven. Since then it has initiated two comment procedures. The so-called REFIT survey is currently underway, the structure of which leaves room for any desired interpretation. It is therefore difficult to predict how long unchecked and possibly exaggerated advertising claims will be able to create the impression that food has additional health benefits.

Gerbsch: “All outstanding evaluation procedures must be completed. A weakening of the Health Claims Regulation would be deceptive for the consumer: herbal products that look like medicine but are not subject to official testing cannot then be distinguished from monitored and safe medicines. Products with untested health claims do not belong on the market. The federal government must finally insist on the enforcement of European law that has long been in force.”