In recent years, demand for food supplements has exploded as consumers seek alternative ways to support their health.
In response to this popularity, the world’s authorities have introduced strict regulations to ensure the safety, quality and fair communication of these products.
WHAT ARE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS?
A food supplement is a foodstuff whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. It may be made up of plants, nutrients or other substances with nutritional or physiological purposes. Available in the form of gummies, capsules, tablets, powders or liquids, food supplements do not replace normal foodstuffs but provide specific nutritional elements. Supplements are not medicines either, although they are similar in format. Intended for the general population in good health, they are not intended to replace medical treatment.
UPDATE ON FOOD SUPPLEMENT REGULATIONS
Regulations on food supplements vary from country to country, but follow common principles:
Safety: Manufacturers must assess the potential risks of ingredients and follow good manufacturing practices to ensure product safety.
Quality control: Raw materials are rigorously selected and finished products are subject to microbiological analysis to guarantee their conformity. IRATI holds ISO 22000 certification, attesting to its mastery of product formulation and manufacture.
Labelling and claims: Labels must provide complete and truthful information, including ingredients, dosage and potential allergens. Health claims must be justified by scientific evidence. They must not suggest that the product can be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a human disease.
Advertising and marketing: Advertising on all promotional materials, including websites and brochures, must be truthful and supported by scientific evidence, without misleading claims. Information on restrictions and precautions must be clearly communicated.
Compliance and enforcement: Manufacturers and distributors must monitor adverse reactions and report any problems promptly, enabling the authorities to take the necessary action to protect consumers.
These principles ensure that food supplements are safe, effective and reliable for consumers.
WHO ARE THE REGULATORY BODIES?
Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in overseeing the production, marketing and safety of food supplements on an international scale. They establish and apply standards to ensure that these products are safe, of high quality and correctly labelled.
Some of the authorities responsible for regulating food supplements:
EFSA (European Union): EFSA advises the European Commission on food supplement regulations, ensuring their safety and quality in accordance with Directive 2002/46/EC.
DGCCRF (France): This agency supervises marketing claims and protects consumers by ensuring the safety of products on the French market.
FSA (United Kingdom): Post-Brexit, the FSA regulates food supplements to ensure compliance with UK safety and quality standards.
FDA (United States): The FDA regulates dietary supplements under the 1994 DSHEA, requiring appropriate manufacturing practices and compliant labelling.
These regulations ensure that dietary supplements are safe, effective and correctly presented, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
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