Andrew Stunell Praised for Backing Vitamin Campaigners

12.00.00am GMT Mon 28th Feb 2005

Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell was praised today for speaking out against new EU regulations that would see thousands of vitamin & mineral supplements banned from July this year.

Andrew Stunell has been publicly thanked by Consumers for Health Choice, which has over a quarter of a million supporters, for voting in favour of a motion in the House of Commons calling for the Food Supplements Directive to be scrapped.

Hundreds of Mr Stunell's constituents have been supported by the MP in their campaign against the Directive which threatens to see the end of production of many health food products.

Andrew Stunell points out:

"Many important nutrient sources which are accepted as safe under the terms of the Food Safety Act will not be permitted under the new directive. It will affect millions of consumers and will restrict the way we look after our health".

Sue Croft, Director of Consumers for Health Choice, agrees adding: "Andrew Stunell spoke out in support of consumers in the Commons …we encourage all those users of vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies to vote for a candidate who truly represents their interests."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1) The Motion reads as follows: "That this House regrets the passage of the Food Supplements Regulations (England) 2003; and calls on the Government to use the UK Presidency to seek agreement to any necessary changes to the EU Food Supplements Directive to enable the current UK regulations to be repealed and replaced with regulations that better protect the interests of consumers and manufacturers in the United Kingdom."

2) Millions of people in the UK regularly take vitamin or mineral supplements

eg. Selenium, Zinc, Multi-Vitamins, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid or Vitamin C to maintain good health. CHC estimates "that 21 million people use natural health products and complementary therapies such as acupuncture or aromatherapy resulting in 10 million less visits to doctor's surgeries each year". Sue Croft, Director Consumers for Health Choice can be contacted on 01275 852597 or 07860 286425