Source: LOHAS Weekly Newsletter
Published: Thursday, November 01, 2001

BERLIN—The international future of dietary supplements should be clarified at the Codex Alimentarius Commission meetings, scheduled for this German capital Nov. 26-30. Representatives from more than 50 governments will be present at the debate, each working to establish an international guideline for the production and labeling of dietary supplements.

The Codex Alimentarus, commonly known as the food code, is an internationally recognized means for producing and maintaining standards on everything from food and additives to pesticides and veterinary drugs. At the meeting, the Commission will be responsible for submitting proposals, which address the issue, and debating those proposals until a conclusion that is determined to be in the best interests of human health is reached.

Key issues to be discussed at this once-a-year meeting will be drawn from a report previously prepared by delegates from Brazil, Canada, Europe, Mexico and the U.S.

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), which represents 35 national trade associations and more than 8,500 companies, has also made its position clear within the report, stressing that it is most important to make certain that safe products will always be available to consumers.

IADSA Executive Director Simon Pettman says some of the principles that IADSA is hoping to see preserved in the Codex guidelines include the establishment of an internationally recognized category for food supplements; the subjection of vitamins and minerals to Good Manufacturing Practice laws; and the allowance of supplements that promote good health, but the prohibition of those that make medical claims.

For more information, visit www.iadsa.org, or call Simon Pettman at 011.32.02.209.1155.