The food supplements sector in Europe has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness about health, nutrition and wellness, but the complex regulatory framework is a minefield for many players.
The EHPM Conference on Quality and Safety in Food Supplements brought together European and National Authorities, industry experts and EU stakeholders, to discuss the food supplement sector’s best practice to provide safe and high-quality products and implement industry proactive proposals to ensure the highest standards.
There's an opportunity for UK companies to lead on innovation in the gut health space following Brexit and there’s hope for a less rigid regulatory landscape across Europe in the future.
Leading voices confirmed include:
George Paraskevakos, Executive Director, IPA (International Probiotics Association)
Elaine Patterson, Senior Scientist and Technical Lead of the Brain Health Platform at DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
Udo Herz, Medical and Science Director at Danone Nutricia Specialized Nutrition
Daniel Ramón Vidal, PhD, Vice President, R&D Health & Wellness at ADM
Dr Zain M Saiyed, Associate Director, R&D, Ingredients Innovation, Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients
Dr Luis Gosalbez, Managing Director and co-founder at Sandwalk Bioventures
Dr Orla O’Sullivan, Senior Research Officer at Teagasc Food Research Centre
Dr Vanessa Stadlbauer, Clinical gastroenterologist & hepatologist and associate professor at the Medical University of Graz
The European Commission’s proposed ban on Aloe sets a dangerous precedent for natural products
With consumers increasingly seeking natural products such as Aloe to remain healthy longer, the European Federation of Associations of Health Products Manufacturers (EHPM) raises important concerns regarding the EU’s scientific evaluation of this botanical. The European Parliament in the ENVI Committee addressed for the first time this topic in an exchange of views on 14 January and voted on an objection on 27 January.
The use of Aloe can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, and this natural plant has been safely consumed for centuries for its beneficial effects. The plant’s various properties mean it has been extensively used in the health industry. Specifically, consumers have been turning to Aloe as an option to maintain the physiological bowel function as it is deemed natural and healthier. A ban would curb our ability to choose these healthy natural products and force the use of me