The CRN UK led a working group of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) Business Expert (Food Standards & Labelling) Group to produce a guidance document for the use of peel and read (peelable) labels on food products, including food supplements. This document, which can be found HERE, has been made available to enforcement via their Knowledge Hub and is also freely available to businesses.
The CRN UK is part of a coalition of trade associations, including the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance, the Council for Responsible Nutrition UK and the Proprietary Association of Great Britain. All of these associations work actively with their members, regulatory authorities, policy-makers and the media to defend the reputation of the food supplements and functional food sectors across the UK and the continent.
Click HERE to download a tripartite statement on vitamin D in food supplements
Good Practice Guide on Compliance with the Legislation on Irradiation of Food Ingredients particularly for Food Supplements with Foreword by Jeff Rooker, Chair, Food Standards Agency.
This document is for businesses such as gyms, fitness suites, health shops and tanning salons which sell or supply food supplements.
The information will help you understand what is required of a business selling or supplying food supplements.
In the UK most products described as food supplements (such as vitamins, minerals or amino acids) are regulated as foods and subject to the provisions of general food law such as the Food Safety Act.
If you sell food supplements you must register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with your local authority.
Are they safe and legal?
Some food supplements have been carefully designed to provide additional support to your diet when you are trying to lose weight, complementing a reduced-calorie, balanced diet, especially when you are also trying to increase your exercise and aiming for a healthy lifestyle.
However, there are some products that promise ‘quick fat loss’ and similar claims. Such products are not always food supplements and some are not legal under any UK laws.
- Read the Medicines Agency (MHRA) information on slimming pills and ‘fast weight loss’ products at Dying to lose weight.
- Watch the Food Standards Agency information on DNP at Let’s prevent another DNP death.
- Read the MHRA warning to athletes on DMAA