In a newly published document, study findings revealed that currently, the objectives of the Claims Regulation had not been ‘fully attained,’ with current rules not accounting for specific plant preparations.
Despite the EC’s reluctance, the report’s closing comments left the door open with further exploration of the term ‘traditional use,’ deemed appropriate as was more work looking into botanical harmonisation.
“In the light of the shortcomings highlighted above about the smooth functioning of the internal market and the possible openness to the notion of ‘traditional use’ to substantiate health claims on plants and their preparations, there are merits for further studying the potential harmonisation of the field of plants and their preparations, including the safety aspect,” the evaluation concluded.
The decision to delay any meaningful action to the deadlock over botanical health claims, did not sit well with industry observers, who have expressed frustration over the long-running saga.
“The Commission should make sure to take into account the importance of the food supplement sector across the EU,” said Luca Bucchini, an expert in food and food supplement regulation.
“An approach that lacks balance – focussed on restrictions only, with no better rules on claims or to support the single market – would not be coherent with taking care of the interests of European consumers and the EU economy as a whole.
“It is particularly galling that the Commission has abandoned all ambition on botanicals which represent such an important sector for innovation and growth across the EU,” said Bucchini, the Managing Director of Hylobates Consulting