Enriched foods will face new scrutiny

A variety of foods enriched with vitamins, such as breakfast cereals and dairy spreads, are to be subjected to scientific scrutiny to ensure their health claims are safe and accurate.

European Commission regulations, due to come into force next year, aim to protect consumers by limiting the quantity of vitamins and minerals that may be added to foods.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) yesterday opened a consultation process where comments and opinions received will be considered as part of its submission to the Commission.

While the FSAI says the measures will lead to greater consumer safety, health food shops say up to 85 per cent of food supplements on sale may disappear off the shelves.

The food supplement industry is worth around €45 million annually and employs more than 1,000 people.

The EU's Scientific Committee on food will advise the Commission on safe levels of vitamins and minerals, taking into account the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and the upper safe limits.

Mr Andrew Cape, spokesman for the Irish Association of Health Stores, said the directive could result in an influx of low-dose vitamin and mineral supplements.

Dr Pat O'Mahony, the FSAI's chief biotechnology specialist, said new European laws would help protect consumers by ensuring enriched foods were safe and labelled in a clear manner so consumers could make an informed choice.

"If you are healthy and young, it's something you might not think about. However, if you are sick or pregnant, it is very important to know what you are eating or drinking.

"In an effort to counteract deficiencies, many people supplement their intake of vitamins, minerals and other substances through the consumption of food that have been fortified with nutrients.

"The additional labelling provisions in this regulation will give consumers the ability to choose whether to purchase nutritionally-enhanced foods or not, while it will also safeguard consumers by allowing only safe nutrients to be added," Dr O'Mahony said.

He said the FSAI was encouraging all interested parties to submit their views on the regulations.

The deadline for submissions is at the end of January.

The Irish Association of Health Stores, which has already led a vocal campaign against the plans, says they will "grossly infringe" the rights of the 45 per cent of Irish people who currently use vitamins and minerals.

- The FSAI's website can be accessed at: www.fsai.ie