Food supplements: challenges and risks for consumers

Weight loss, memory boost, easy sleep… Those are just a few of the promises food supplements make. About 20% of EU consumers use at least one food supplement to complement their diet or to maintain their health. And the trend is on the rise.

Consumers’ safety can be at risk due to flaws in the EU and national legislations. They are exposed to potentially serious side effects, misleading information and to the risk of wasting money for products that do not live up to the promises they make.

As consumers rely more and more on food supplements it is crucial to guarantee that they access safe products and they are able to make informed choices.

However, the EU food supplements market is only partially regulated exposing consumers to potential risks and misleading information. In this light, BEUC calls for:

1. A comprehensive regulatory framework ensuring the same level of consumer protection across the EU.
2. The prevention and combat of adulteration of food supplements.
3. The establishment of maximum and minimum limits for vitamins and minerals.
4. More information to consumers on food supplements to ensure their safe use.
5. An effective monitoring and reporting system of side effects of food supplements.
6. No spurious claims and no special treatment for claims on botanicals.